Coming Through Trauma

I’ve been thinking about how difficult it can be as we recover from major trauma in our lives. There are times when we go through things that are extremely difficult, especially if we've encountered death, either through the loss of someone dear, or by facing death through illness or accident and finding, praise God, we didn't die! However, the aftermath of these times of trauma can be fraught with difficulties.

Having been through this process a number of times in my life I was considering how we can come through it victoriously. The biggest challenge for me in the times after major trauma has been facing fear.

My daughter Jasmyn passed away as a result of a cot death (SIDS) when she was not quite four months old. The loss of a child is a major trauma, and of course I grieved deeply, but truly my biggest challenge was fear. My husband and I wanted to have another child, and that’s where the fear hit. Naturally I couldn’t help but think “What if it happens again?” When I fell pregnant that question went over and over in my head, not just once a day, but all the time. I didn’t want to give into the fear and give Satan victory, so I held on to God with all that was within me.

Late in the pregnancy I was listening to the Bible on a CD and these words leapt out at me and went into my spirit, as well as the spirit of my baby Laura. ‘Adonai’ (the Lord, my master) was reassuring me with a word He spoke to Gideon long ago; “Shalom to you, don’t be afraid, you won’t die!”

‘Shalom’ means peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquillity. It can apply to the welfare and safety of an individual or a group of individuals. It was an amazing promise that God gave to Laura and I to help us through the battering of fear. So, from that day on, I declared God’s promise day after day over Laura. My declaration was always “Peace be with you Laura, don’t be afraid, you won’t die, but you’ll live and declare the praises of the Lord.”

Laura is now nine years old, and such a precious girl. The fear was probably the most intense for the first two years, but we came through it. It wasn't easy, as I still heard the fear whispering in my ear. But I could counter it with the promises of God. That’s how I had victory.

Maybe, today, you realise that, in the aftermath of a trauma you've faced, you’re bombarded with fear. If so, I encourage you to hold on to God through these challenges and not give up. Don’t feel condemned for experiencing the fear. Understand that this may happen for a time, but it will cease and come to an end. Seek God through His Word for His promises for you. His Word will come to you. You’ll have victory through this as you hold on to Jesus. Here is a prayer you can pray.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, You know I’ve been bombarded with fear following the trauma I’ve faced. In Your great mercy, would You give me a promise that I can hold on to, so that I can fight the fear and have victory. Release me from the fear and set my life free so I can serve you once again with all my heart. Amen.