Week of October 20, 2024 – Healing From Trauma

Description:

In a political season where our country and culture are choosing to fight a fight with one another, we are choosing to fight fear, fight anxiety, and fight the mental health battle at war in so many of us. We are going to fight against the myths of embarrassment when it comes to mental health battles and receiving help. Together, we will fight to find peace that God can provide.

So whether you are trying to move forward after loss or uneasiness about the future, if you don’t understand what you are feeling, hope seems far away. In our new series, Peace of Mind, we go to God’s word and learn how to fight our mental battles and find peace together. This week, take a Biblical look at healing from trauma.

*Please note, if there are severe mental health concerns for you or a loved one that include severe depression and suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to receive immediate help and support.  Then, reach out to [email protected] for pastoral care.

Small Group Study Guide: Healing from Trauma

Introduction:

Trauma affects most people at some point in their lives. According to the National Library of Medicine, 70% of U.S. adults have experienced a traumatic event. These experiences can take many forms, including physical or emotional abuse, accidents, or even witnessing violence. Trauma doesn’t just leave physical scars—it also leaves emotional ones, and often, the ones we can’t see take longer to heal.

As followers of Christ, it’s essential to acknowledge trauma, process the pain, and trust God to help us find healing. We’ll explore how we can begin this process together.

Icebreaker Questions:

1. If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
2. Have you ever had an experience that changed your perspective on life?
3. When you hear the word “trauma,” what comes to mind?

Scripture Reading:

Romans 8:28 (NLT)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
“We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.”

Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
“Be still, and know that I am God!”

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NLT)
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

The BIG Idea:

Trauma is real and affects many, but God is greater than trauma. He is at work in our pain and wants to use it for good. Healing comes when we acknowledge our trauma, process our pain, and press into God’s strength, grace, and promises.

Discussion:

1. Acknowledge the Hurt
   • Trauma, whether it’s a one-time event (acute trauma), long-term suffering (chronic trauma), or ongoing distress (complex trauma), leaves a deep impact.
   • Scripture: “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.” (2 Corinthians 1:8)
   • Question: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a situation or experience? How did you initially respond?
2. Process the Pain
   • It’s essential to process the hurt we feel rather than ignoring it. Anxiety and distress are signals that something needs attention.
   • Scripture: “Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned…” (2 Corinthians 11:24-25)
   • Question: What healthy ways have you found to process painful or traumatic experiences? What are some unhealthy ways you’ve seen or experienced?
3. Press into God
   • Healing doesn’t mean our pain disappears immediately. It means we invite God into our brokenness and allow His grace to be enough.
   • Scripture: “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
   • Question: What does it mean to press into God when you are in pain or going through trauma? How can you rely on His strength rather than your own?

Application:

1. Pray – Spend time in prayer, acknowledging your trauma and asking for God’s grace to heal you.
   • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
2. Pause – Give yourself time and space to reflect and process. Healing is not rushed.
   • 2 Corinthians 1:9: “In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God.”
3. Perspective – Ask God to help you see your trauma in light of His love and grace.
   • Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.”

Challenge for the Week:

Reflect on the trauma you’ve experienced in your life, whether big or small. Bring it to God in prayer and ask Him for healing, strength, and grace. Share your journey with someone you trust this week, and pray together.

Closing Prayer:

“Father, thank You for never leaving us alone in our pain. We acknowledge that trauma is real and can be overwhelming, but we trust in Your power to heal and restore. Help us to bring our hurts to You, to process them in healthy ways, and to rely on Your grace to find peace and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”