Spriritual Attacks During Trauma Recovery: Finding Strength and Healing in God

When you are healing from trauma, remember that God has not abandoned you in the battle.

Trauma recovery can be one of the most challenging journeys a woman will ever face.  As you begin to process painful memories, confront deep-rooted fears, and rebuild your sense of worth, you may experience seasons of spiritual struggle.  You may feel discouraged, overwhelmed, ashamed, or distant from God.  You might even question your Faith or wonder why healing seems to take so long.

As Christian women, we may feel moments when fear, condemnation, hopelessness, and discouragement seem to speak louder than God's promises.  During these times, it is important to remember that painful emotions are not evidence of weak Faith, and struggling does not mean you have failed God.  Trauma can affect your emotions, thoughts, relationships, and  sense of safety.  Healing takes time, patience and God's grace.

Recognizing the Battle for Your Peace

 The enemy's lies can feel especially powerful when you are already hurting.  Thoughts such as I am not worthy of love, I will never heal, God has forgotten me, or my past has ruined my future, can leave you feeling trapped in shame and despair.

You are not the mistakes that you made while trying to survive.  You are not the painful experiences you endured.  You are not the rejection, abandonment, or betrayal that may have wounded your heart.

Your idenity is not determined by  your trauma.  You  are a woman created in God's image, worthy of dignity, compassion and love.

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil"

Ephesians 6:11 NKJV

God invites us to stand firm in His truth.  When discouragement rises, turn to His word.  When shame tries to silence you , remember His grace.  When fear makes the future seem uncertain, remind yourself that you do not have to face tomorrow alone.

When Healing Brings Difficult Emotions to the Surface

Sometimes, when you begin working through trauma, emotions that you have buried for years may come to the surface.  You may experience sadness, anger, anxiety, grief or uncertainity.  You may struggle with forgiveness or find it difficult to trust others again.

It is importnat to approach yourself with compassion rather than interpreting every struggle as a spiritual failure.

God does not require you to pretend that you are okay when you are hurting.  He invites you to come to Him honestly, bringing your tears, questions, and fears into His prescence.  

"The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have contrite spirit."

Psalm 34:18 NKJV

What a comforting promise!  God draws near to the brokenhearted.  You do not have to hide your pain from Him.  You can pray honestly, seek wise Christian counsel, and receive support from a Trauma Informed Counselor and Coach.  

Guarding Your Mind Against Condemnation

One of the most painfu struggles during trauma recovery is learning to seperate the truth from the lies you may have come to believe about yourself.  Perhaps someone mistreated you and made you feel worthless.  Maybe you blamed yourself for something that was never your fault.  Perhaps that you have spent years believing that you should have been stronger, spoken up sooner, or recognized the warning signs.

Give yourself permission to release the burden of condemning yourself for what you did not know or could not control.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."

Romans 8:1 NKJV

God's grace is greater than your shame.  His love is not dependent upon how quickly you recover or how perfectly you  handle every difficult day.

When negative thoughts arise, gently challenge them with truth.  You can remind yourself:

1. I am loved by God, even when I feel broken.
2. I can trust God's promises
3. Learn to challenge negative thoughts with the truth of God's word
4. Release feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness through God's grace.
5. Remember that your trauma does not define your idenity in Christ
6. Renew your mind with scripture, prayer and Faith.
7. Healing is a journey, and God is with you every step of the way.
8. Replace fear with Faith, shame with grace, and negativity with hope.

The power of Christ working in you and through you is our defense against the enemy.  Our enemy trembles when we admit our faults and weaknesses and surrender our lives to God.  We need to call out to God in our time of trouble.

"The righteous cries out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles."

 Psalm 34:17 NKJV

We must remember that when we fight against the enemy , we do not rely on ourselves, knowledge or wit.  Remeber that the battle belongs to the Lord!  We hide ourselves in God with a humble and prayerful attitude, so we can meditate on God's words and cultivate a quiet mind.  That is where we listen for God's still quiet voice. We must become utterly dependent on God with humility.  When we belong to our heavenly Father He choses not to see our flaws, and past sins.  They are covered by Jesus's blood. 

Even when the journey of healing feels challenging, God's love remains steadfast, offering hope, comfort, and strength as you move toward healing and renewed Faith.