Relationship with God

Course Cut-OutMoving Through Trauma
Written By Austin Cavaliere

If you need help seeing Jesus in the middle of your struggle, or just feel like you are stuck, ready to move into growth and healing, connect with a Christian coach.

Excerpt: Relationship with God - Trauma Session 6

Course: Moving Through Trauma

Speakers: Matthias Barker, Benji Horning

Healing Trauma: A Holistic Path Through God, Others, and Self

We've seen trauma's deep impact on our minds and bodies, requiring a holistic approach to healing – addressing our spiritual, relational, and personal well-being. Let's begin with our connection to God.

Our Relationship with God: Building Trust in Vulnerability

Trust is key to integrating God into our healing, especially amidst doubts about suffering. While the question of pain is universal, Christianity offers a unique narrative: a good God allowing free will in a beautiful world, where sin brought brokenness. Though God's intention remains good, we live in a flawed reality. Jesus himself acknowledged earthly troubles but offered hope in overcoming them.

Recognize that harm done to us often stems from this brokenness, not God's direct will. Instead of "Why?", consider "Where was God?". Scripture reveals a God deeply present and empathetic in suffering, as seen in Jesus' own experiences of rejection, betrayal, and abandonment. Knowing God understands can break the isolation of trauma. Through Him, pain can find purpose and brokenness can be redeemed.

The Examen Prayer can foster this trust. Reflect daily or weekly on moments of joy and pain, asking where God was present and how past trauma might be influencing current struggles. Gently process these with God, allowing His light into the darkness. This practice cultivates gratitude for His presence and redemptive power.

Our Relationship with Ourselves: Finding Healing in Stillness

Our inner relationship is vital. Mindfulness practices, mirroring Christian contemplative prayer, can heal the neurological impacts of trauma. Focused breathing and silence can reactivate underactive brain regions crucial for emotional regulation and memory.

Contemplative prayer, as a Christian tradition, emphasizes silencing the mind to focus on God's presence within us. Using a prayer word like "Jesus," "peace," or even a verse of scripture during mindful breathing helps anchor our attention in the present and invites God's presence. This daily practice, even for short periods, trains our ability to refocus, benefiting our brain and fostering a sense of abiding in God's peace. In this stillness, in communion with God, our bodies, settled in His presence, can find healing.

Conclusion: A Journey Towards Wholeness

We've explored the vital role of trust in our relationship with God and the healing potential of contemplative practices in our relationship with ourselves. As we continue this journey, remember that you are not alone. Engage with a God who intimately understands your pain and offers a path towards redemption. Embrace practices that cultivate inner stillness and awareness, allowing your mind and body to find healing in His presence.

A Prayer for Healing and Hope

Let's pray, inviting Jesus into this moment. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and identify what you've felt during this course. Let's recognize a God who understands.

Jesus, we acknowledge that in moments of abandonment, you felt abandoned. In moments of humiliation, you know that feeling. For moments of abuse, you identify with us. Whatever our story, thank you that we are not alone, and never have been, through your Holy Spirit.

Lord, give us the power to fight isolation, to resist letting the horror of trauma dictate our story. Sew redemption, Lord, in the soil of our hearts, that beauty may come from ashes. Thank you for your promise to make all things new. I pray now for everyone to sense that seed of newness and redemption sprouting and rooting itself in every life and every story. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

If you like the content, you can continue in a few different ways…

  • 1) See the outline below and check out other sections from the FFP course.

  • 2) Take the full small group course to your church community! The first course your church runs is free! Reach out to us here to learn how.

  • 3) Connect with a Share The Struggle Coach for one-on-one support. Let’s face it, some of us have tried kicking this thing, and we’ve had no luck. It’s time to start looking toward forms of support that can help us see and feel the beautiful life God has in store for us.

 

Moving Through Trauma

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Moving Through Trauma 〰️

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

 

Share The Struggle Courses

Share the Struggle Courses are topical expert led video courses to help you understand life’s greatest struggles and provide you with tools for navigating them. Moreover, STS courses create a space for you to connect with others struggling with similar things, experience belonging, and encounter God’s nearness in a place of wilderness in your life (pain, confusion, healing journey). Want to start a group at your church? Reach out to us here to learn how.

 

What Share The Struggle Believes

Here at Share The Struggle we believe Jesus is present with us in the middle of our pain and mess, and it is in that place that we often experience and encounter Jesus most deeply.

We understand the unique challenges faced by Christians dealing with mental health. Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health support, providing a platform where individuals can find resources, coaching support and guidance, all tailored to their spiritual life and emotional needs.

We invite you to explore our resources, share your journey, and find the support you need to overcome the struggles you face.

Austin Cavaliere
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Relationship with Self
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The Journey Onwards