Healing from Trauma
Each of us have experienced some sort of trauma during our lifetime, whether it was from something seemingly small or something extremely disturbing. Living in this fallen world makes a mark on us. The experience of trauma causes us to disconnect from ourselves and from God. Shame creeps in and we begin to shape-shift ourselves in order to get the safety, the belonging, the approval we so desperately require as human beings.
That disconnection with self (and with God) is a form of death. Like Adam and Eve, we feel separated from God in our minds. Colossians 1:21-22 says it this way: And you, who were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— This disconnection can lead to things like depression, addiction, criminality, mental health issues, and even disease. Death symptoms take shape in our lives through shame and fear.
Whenever we seem to be completely irrational, counterproductive, paranoid, or vengeful, there’s a good chance we are acting out of our amygdala, the fight or flight portion of our brain. In other words, we are instinctively reacting to something in the present moment that is triggering an earlier trauma memory. We are reacting from pain without understanding why.
Of course this is not an excuse for reactive or hurtful behavior but it can provide some context and understanding. Jesus ministered to people suffering from the effects of trauma. He dealt with them through deep understanding, sympathy, patience, healing rather than judgment. He watered them with unconditional love.
Essentially, that is what the life and love of Jesus is for: to minister LIFE to us. He came to free us from the grip of death. Jesus Himself said that He had come that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (see John 10:10).
Might we get curious about what is underneath our instinctive reactions or coping behaviors and ask God to enter this death symptom with His LIFE? After all, He is the resurrection and the life (see John 11:25). Might we ask God to experience His deep understanding in the midst of our pain? Might we quietly rest in His enduring patience and His kind empathy. Might we look at our pain with compassion as simply a signal that something needs our attention? This becomes a sacred space with God where judgment is let go and healing can occur. We receive the love of the Father and the effects of death are swallowed up by His LIFE.