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When Pain Loses Its Power: Finding Freedom from the Grip of Trauma


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The negative influence of trauma describes the lingering impact of unresolved emotional, mental, and spiritual traumatic experiences. According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology, trauma is any disturbing experience that results in significant amounts of fear, helplessness, dissociation (separation of the mental connection), confusion, or other disruptive feelings.[i]


These effects are commonly intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning. Furthermore, trauma may remain present in our lives due to its deep-rooted effects that can leave us feeling oppressed and burdened after memories of hurtful or painful past situations continue to exert on our lives.  


Common signs that this negative influence is at work in our lives may be:  


  • The presence of reoccurring fear and anxiety 

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories of unresolved painful situations 

  • Avoidance of certain people, places, or situations that may “trigger” additional emotional reactions or protections. 

  • Chronic feelings of guilt and shame. 

  • Difficulty trusting God, oneself, or others. 

  • A sense of emotional insulation or “numbness.” 

  • Cycles of depression or hopelessness. 

  • Physical illnesses include unexplained headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, or chronic pain.  

 

Freedom and emotional healing from this negative influence often require a combination of spiritual surrender to the work and power of Christ, professional support from spiritual leaders and trained clinicians, and a willing desire to partner with the peace and restoration that our heavenly Father desires to bring to the human heart. Breakthrough from this influence is a process of gradually experiencing freedom and God, Biblical community, and inner healing to transform the pain of our past into peace and testimonies of His healing. 


Questions to Ask:  

  1. Have you experienced a terrible occurrence that has impacted you significantly? E.g., victim of abuse, assault, natural disaster 

  2. What emotions surface as you reflect on this event? 

  3. In what ways have you sought to resolve this issue? 

    1. Have you talked to anyone? (professional and pastoral) 

  4. How often over the past three months have you felt your mood negatively affected by trauma? 

  5. How would your life look different if you received freedom from trauma? 

  6. Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by trauma?  

 

Connected Influences: Accidents, abuse (emotions, mental, physical, sexual, verbal, sexual), accidents, divorce, loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, violence, war, broken homes, broken relationships. 


Scriptural Truth: 


“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” (Psalm 34:17-19) 

 

“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) 

 

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. 15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.” (Psalm 107:13-16) 

 

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. 15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.” (Matthew 11:28-30) 

 

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7) 


How to Pray for Breakthrough from Trauma:


You may pray aloud, using each step below:

 

  1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"


  2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

    1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

    2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"


  3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent of partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

    1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).


  4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

    1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)


You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

 



[i] “Apa Dictionary of Psychology,” American Psychological Association, accessed November 15, 2024, https://dictionary.apa.org/trauma.

 



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