Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is triggered by a traumatic event, and is the continuing to experience the event’s effect after it has passed. It can be weeks for short-term PTSD or years for long-term. This disorienting disorder is commonly associated today with soldiers and combat, but is also identified with beatings, traumatic injury, death of a loved one, life-altering accidents, as well as physical and emotional abuse. The unwelcome event is a conscious or sub-conscious focal point or our thoughts weeks or even years after it occurred. It is past on the outside but still present on the inside. It is tormenting and debilitating! What is God’s answer?
It is my opinion that perhaps the greatest text of the Old Testament, Isaiah 53:3-7, is also the greatest promise for those suffering from PTSD. “… Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; … the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed … and the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all. …” This text describes in detail the depth and reach of God’s love for people like us. He fully paid for the lifting of our griefs, the removal of our sorrows, positive transformation within our souls, and freedom from sin. This promise speaks freedom to the dysfunctional way you and I may process our tragedy physically and emotionally.
Jesus paid for it but how does He impart it to me? John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Loving one another is listening to, caring for, forgiving, comforting, connecting with, covering, encouraging, bearing with, and serving one another. Love is a verb! Love is very big, down to earth, and costly to live actions! 1Cor 13:7-8 says love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.” Love touches the way a friend reaches to a friend, the way a team surrounds a fallen teammate, and the way a good neighbor shows up in a crisis. Prov. 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Let people in to your life! It doesn’t work to force open anyone’s heart! Be willing to be connected to someone opening the door. Isolation is the enemy! Jesus paid for everything! He wants to deliver it to us and through us by touch. Rev 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Christ in you and me is often how Jesus stands at that door knocking. Let’s agree with Him!
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