Biblical Comfort for Trauma

From childhood, we are exposed to hardship and suffering. Many of us are affected in our adult lives by events and treatment we experienced as children. It is amid our anger, pain, and confusion, God offers words of comfort for trauma, as well as hope and healing.

Comfort for Trauma Survivors

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18, NIV

David had traumatic experiences well into his adult life. He wrote this particular Psalm after narrowly escaping a near-fatal situation with King Saul, a former mentor and once trusted friend. David constantly drew comfort from his connection to and understanding of God. He knew that God cared that he was suffering and that all he had to do was pour his heart out in the form of prayerful songs.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. – Isaiah 43:2, NIV

God’s promise to the prophet Isaiah was not that He would be a bridge over the deep waters, but that He would be with Him beneath the waves, ensuring that he could endure them. God’s way of helping us through life is to be close to us in whatever situation we find ourselves in. If it is recovering from trauma, He gives us the inner strength to do just that. We are a little stronger and wiser when we reach the other side of that particular raging river.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7, NIV

Sometimes the reason we don’t share our struggles and fears with the people closest to us is that we worry that they won’t be able to handle it. The truth can be a heavy and difficult thing, but there is nothing too heavy or difficult about your past for God to carry. More than being able to help, He wants to help. We were not meant to bear our burdens alone.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, NIV

Having faith does not mean we are superheroes. We were born into a world that is often cruel and hurtful, and few of us make it to adulthood without incident or injury. Having faith in a kind and powerful God means that through all of it, we still have hope that there is more and better to come. We are not impervious to pain and suffering, but we believe there is something better to come after it.

Getting professional help with trauma

Trauma can be complex, ongoing, and debilitating. The effects of trauma are real and sometimes reach far into our futures to affect our relationships and those closest to us. We don’t have to remain victims of past experiences, but we also will not find healing if we pretend we are fine and don’t acknowledge our hurt.

It is a comfort that God knows the intimate details of our lives and more than that, cares enough to make Himself present in our pain. May we know His closeness and may His kindness be a comfort to us as we navigate the rough waters of the effects of trauma.

If you would like to talk to a counselor about the things in your past, or your current struggles, we can help by connecting you to one. Contact our offices when you are ready and begin the journey to healing. No one should have to navigate trauma alone.