We have learned much about PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) in the last few decades. I remember when it was called shell-shock. PTSD is a broader term involving traumas of any kind. 

People with PTSD have a heightened sense of danger. Losing one’s home to a natural disaster may lead to hyper-vigilance over safety. Military combat might cause flashbacks around loud noises. Abuse can stir numerous reactions such as depression, and so on.

There are levels of this disorder, all interfering with the functions of a normal, healthy life.  Mild, moderate, severe, and complex are a few terms that I recognize. PTSD can also come and go.  

The original plan did not include disorders

PTSD results from an overload of our stress thresholds. Our brains were never created to withstand the assaults we experience in a sinful world. 

God’s original intention for the human race was to have fellowship with him in a perfect world. He gave us free will because he did not want to be loved by robots, but by those who genuinely prefer his company. 

Since we threw sin into the mix, we will have anxiety, PTSD, coping issues, trauma, and so on because people hurt each other in a sin-filled place. Accidents happen. Nature is not working right. It all adds up to human-induced affliction.  “In this world, you will have trouble,” Jesus said.

Sometimes painful emotional, mental, and physical consequences of living in a fallen world will be with us for the duration. Paul implied such when he wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Notice he speaks of being renewed day by day- one day at a time – which is how we live successfully.  One day at a time, wise therapists or counselors, support groups, medication, churches, and prayer groups can support our mental health when we’ve been affected by a disorder. 

Yet it is God who is All-mighty. His love is neverending. Whether we experience relief immediately when we turn to him or if we must walk through a difficult process, God never promised life would be easy. He did give us his Son for hope not only in this life but in the one to come.

Out of his love for us he has done everything possible to provide strength, escapes, peace, salvation, solutions, and victory until we can be with him in eternity. After announcing that we will have trouble in this world, Jesus continued, “…But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We can find rest in God’s presence. Peter wrote,  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Today’s Helpful Word

 Romans 15:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

*Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright (c) 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.., Carlo Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved