Welcome to the second part of our series on understanding trauma and how God’s Word provides guidance and solace in times of suffering. In this installment, we delve into another essential truth to help Christians navigate the challenges posed by traumatic experiences. Join us as we journey through the Scriptures to discover how His presence brings healing and restoration to those in need.
- God’s Presence in Times of Brokenness
The Lord is near to those with shattered hearts, and He rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18). Finding solace in the midst of life’s trials is knowing that God is ever close to us. When we face suffering, His promise assures us that He will draw near, offering His presence and support.
God is unwaveringly dependable, consistently trustworthy, and unfailingly available to stand by your side during moments of pain.
In the book of Psalms, we witness the profound way God comforts David. David’s emotions pour out, genuine and unfiltered, as he opens his heart in raw authenticity.
David was never one to hide his flaws, failures, or the multitude of emotions that arose during times of suffering, sorrow, or trauma. Instead, he surrendered every hurt, struggle, and concern to God.
The anguish in David’s heart is palpable in each of his vulnerable and transparent poems, prayers, and songs. Despite his sinful choices, David’s humility, honesty, and repentant heart led him to be regarded as a righteous man.
David’s example teaches us valuable lessons. When we choose to release our burdens to God, we experience a tender and soothing connection that bestows an inexplicable peace.
Lean on God and cling to His precious promise that He is with you, going before you (Deuteronomy 31:8-9). He deeply cares about every aspect of your life, no matter how minor, so invite Him into the broken pieces of your heart (Psalm 139).
- God’s Sovereign Control
In the midst of life’s chaos and uncertainty, our instinct is often to seek something firm to hold onto, a source of stability in the turbulence. This sentiment is captured well in the story of Job.
Job, once a prosperous man with a beautiful family, a comfortable home, abundant livestock, and a heart so faithful that God considered him blameless (Job 1:1), came to the attention of Satan (Job 1:6-7).
As many are aware, the tribulations and agonies Job endured were both heart-wrenching and numerous. He lost his beloved children to intruders and natural disasters, and later suffered from painful, debilitating boils that left him in excruciating pain.
Job’s story can be seen as a battle between good and evil, with Satan testing Job’s faith, and God ultimately demonstrating His unwavering control over every situation. While God allowed Job to suffer, He governs the world with justice at its core.
Suffering is a part of our earthly existence, inevitable in a world where the forces of good and evil intersect. Satan constantly seeks opportunities to challenge us, but the final victory will always belong to God (Revelation 12:9).
Throughout it all, God tirelessly fights on our behalf, continually choosing to be by our side. He encourages us not to grow too attached to this world and to keep our gaze fixed on the eternal (Colossians 3:2).
No matter what trials we face, regardless of the hardships that befall us, one truth remains unshaken: God is sovereign, unwavering, and always in control (Job 23:10).
- God’s Understanding of Suffering
It is essential to recognize that our God embodies a wide spectrum of emotions, all expressed in pure righteousness. We must comprehend that God has experienced profound sorrow, grief, and suffering.
The passage “Jesus wept” is one of the most concise yet profound expressions found in the Gospels. Interestingly, Jesus wept not just once but three times in various instances, demonstrating His profound empathy for pain and suffering.
The first occasion is recorded in John 11:35, following the news of His dear friend Lazarus’s passing. Jesus, fully aware of the pain associated with human mortality, was moved with deep compassion, despite knowing that He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead.
The second instance of Jesus weeping was over the city of Jerusalem. As He entered the city on a humble donkey, He gazed upon the people, God’s chosen ones. However, He also knew that many would reject the offer of salvation due to their unbelief in Him. His grief stemmed from the understanding that they were missing out on God’s mercy.
The third time we see Jesus weep is in the Garden of Gethsemane. As the hour of His crucifixion approached, He experienced profound spiritual anguish, expressing His sorrow, feelings of betrayal, and abandonment through fervent prayer and even tears of blood.
Dear friend, our God comprehends the depths of suffering and trauma. All we need to do to understand this is to look at the cross.
Remember this: Your suffering, sorrow, and trauma do not define you — God does! You are His cherished child, fully redeemed, continuously restored and refined, all while basking in His boundless mercy and grace. You are set free and forgiven, guided by the Holy Spirit as you walk in the light.
In your possession lies the inheritance of an everlasting kingdom. So, instead of fixating on the trials and tribulations of this world, let us set our gaze on eternity.