PTSD doesn’t have to have you…

“Since illness is a result of the fall, not simply of the natural constitution of things, it cannot be combated solely by natural means. Being of spiritual origin, it must be combated in the same way that the rest of the effects of the fall are combated: by spiritual means, and specifically by Christ’s work of atonement. Intended to counter the effects of the fall, his death covers not only guilt for sin but sickness as well. Healing of the body is therefore part of our great redemption right.”[1]

As we continue the discussions surrounding PTSD, my question is this, “Can we have posttraumatic stress disorder, and not allow it to have us?” What I mean is simple, and goes to other blog posts, PTSD may be a thing, and it is – yet at the same time it does not have to rule over us. Although each person is different and unique circumstances bless and plague everyone, it is possible to stand strongly and firmly in the traumatic experiences without allowing those same things to infiltrate our minds and soul.

The apostle Paul offers these words as a reminder, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 [NKJV]). Paul uses the wording ‘will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’ to inform us how God desires to guard us in our hearts and minds. This includes a guard over our intrusive thoughts, and those lingering nightmares, or the hypervigilance we exhibit. God can guard us and give us His peace.

            The Greek understanding of ‘will guard’ is simply this – φρουρέω (phroureo), meaning to keep guard in advance as by a military guard or sentinel. God is ever watchful and ever present and wants to guard you. Although the exposure to trauma in your life has happened already, and this cannot be undone, God is able to take those moments in your life and bring a peace beyond understanding. He is the God of restoration and hope.

            “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9 [NKJV]). Paul had been through many things, including being stoned and left for dead, he was in danger from his own countrymen, he was shipwrecked, bitten by a poisonous snake and other horrific things happened to him (see 2 Corinthians 11:22-27 for full description). Paul suffered at the hands of his fellow man, he was beaten and stoned, and yet he is able to tell us to meditate on praiseworthy things and the God of peace will be with us. I know this was not written to us, but does it apply to us? Yes. We can have peace even through the storm of PTSD.

            I believe the Lord can heal and bring about peace in your life and in mine, in fact I have experienced it personally, I know He is still able to walk with you through the long journey. I also know sometimes He does it miraculously whereas other times He intervenes through the medical field or another person. Luoma, RN, MDiv, says this, “God’s work of healing in and through creation is a gift available to all people, regardless of faith. There is no unique method through which God heals. The fundamental biblical issue is who heals (God) rather than how healing occurs”[2]

            So? Can we have PTSD and not allow it to have us? Yes, indeed. Is it an easy journey? Absolutely not, and yet the beauty which can be created through the journey as we continue forward can provide hope to others who suffer in silence. God can heal, He is more than able, and yet sometimes He chooses to allow us to walk ahead in the difficulty. Let’s consider this passage of Scripture, “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18 [NKJV]). Without taking this out of context, let me ask this question of you, Is God able to deliver you from PTSD? Sometimes the healing can be connected with where we place our trust. Do you trust Him to know and do what is best for you?

            I know there are dual diagnoses, mental health considerations, and significant trauma beyond what I am able to comprehend, and yet – God is bigger than all of it. If you are battling with PTSD, or perhaps another struggle but found your way here to this webpage, let me encourage you – keep fighting the good fight, keep going to your Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups, continue on with EMDR, seek a counselor, but place your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus alone, and seek His healing and timing.

            If you need help, seek it. If you need healing ask for it from the One who is able. If you need reconciliation from past wounds, ask for forgiveness. There are things I don’t understand, yet the Lord knows you, the very hairs on your head are numbered, He knows your name. Seek Him throughout this time.

[1] Erickson, J. Millard, Christian Theology. 2nd ed. *Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1998), 853.

[2] Luoma, James RN, MDiv, Biblical Practices of Healing: A resource for Chaplains and Health Care Providers, 2nd ed. (Mustang, OK: Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC, 2013), 19.

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