Isaiah 61: 1-7

What is trauma?– The emotional mental physical and spiritual response we experience after going through a deeply distressing event that overwhelms our ability to cope

• It can leave lasting wounds on our mind, body and soul
• Verse 1 highlights that God is a healer and is aware of human pain and trauma
• He promises healing for the broken hearted. His plan is to restore us
• It’s ot just about the event, it also deals with how we process the world

Complex trauma– cumulative effect of repeated and ongoing traumatic events and experiences which often begins in childhood and impacts our emotional and physical development and shapes how we see ourselves, others and God.  God is with us

• It can devastate our lives across generations
• Psalm 23:4 reminds us not to fear evil because God is with us
• He promises to rebuild and restore the deepest devastations
• Trauma results in anxiety, nightmares physical pain, avoidance

People can suffer from Post Traumatic Spiritual Disorders

• Psalm 24:4
• Isaiah promises us a double portion
• 2 Timothy 1:7- God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear
• The body can hold on to trauma in different ways, but God promises to restore us and lead us beside still waters
• Psalm 107 There is never a time that we are alone in suffering
• Trauma can make us feel separated from God
• 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast our fears upon the Lord
• Isaiah reminds us that God is near and His promise is to bind up every one of those wounds and heal us in our entirety

What are the causes and types of trauma?

• Isaiah 61 refers to various kinds of trauma. This same chapter reminds of God’s mission to heal that trauma
• You can also experience secondary trauma by witnessing others who have gone through trauma
• Each type of trauma impacts people differently
• The key is to remember that God heals all types of brokenness and always offers deliverance
• Psalm 107:13

We must move towards healing (6 steps):

• 1.Tell the truth about your pain- Acknowledge the trauma and what the trauma has caused
• 2. Rely on support- Seek support from trusted individuals (1 Peter 5:7)
• 3. Allow God to rebuild- Allow Him to restore what has been devastated by trauma
• 4. Understand that God’s care- He cares for us deeply and about our healing
• 5. Movetoward healing and joy- He promises a crown of beauty
• 6. Anchor ourselves in God’s promises- We understand that we will receive a double portion of honor

Seek His presence & trust in His timing