By Nancy Virden (c)2026

Time does not heal all wounds. Trauma remains with us in our bodies and brains, sometimes manifesting in unexpected or unusual ways. Job would have been no exception. Outsiders read of his return to high function and assume everything turned out well. Trauma survivors have deeper insight.

Do you think Job forgot all about the worst part of his life and the loss of his children? Of course not. Time can create space for an easing of pain, yet memories and emotions can return with a vengeance. Lately, we’ve been calling this “triggered.” I think life sometimes reminds us of the pain we have managed to tuck away, and naturally, we grieve again.

Grieving is a main component of trauma survival. We grieve losses, such as our innocence, our youth, unmet dreams and needs, our mental health, broken relationships, our physical wellbeing, sense of safety, ability to love freely, and more, which can result from a traumatic event or trauma responses.

What might have caused Job to return again and again to grief?

The account in scripture does not delve into all that. While Job dealt with physical and emotional anguish, the Lord finished questioning him. Then God said to one of the three friends, “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer on your behalf.” (Job’s account features some of the false doctrines of these three friends; read with caution!)

Job began to edge beyond darkness when he conversed with God, the difference-maker. Nothing we can do or say measures up to the soul-healing offered by our Creator. His love, through Jesus Christ, sees and knows each heart, secret, and need.

Job was now able to forgive and pray for his useless comforters. This is key to recovery. Forgiveness does not mean approval or ignoring any sins committed; it is not a justification for allowing more maltreatment. Forgiveness is a choice not to seek revenge in any form. Forgiveness frees us to mend. Instead of focusing on the wrongs of others, we can put our energies into building a new life.

Just as we do not expect someone with a stubbed toe to instantly perform a perfect dance, it takes time to recover from devastating trauma; forgiveness is a powerful beginning.

When all Job’s relatives and friends who had stayed away while he suffered came and feasted with him in his home (I assume after his disease cleared up), they consoled him and presented him with valuable gifts. I believe he had to forgive them, too. When significant people in our lives let us down due to stigma or inability, we must offer grace and allow them to be human.

The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part by doubling everything he had before. This means Job chose to live, returned to work, and connected with others. I am certain his counsel carried more grace and insight.

For another 140 years, Job carried pain and trauma with him, but did not let it stop his progress. Seven more sons and three more daughters were born to him. Job lived to see four generations of his children and grandchildren.  

We do not know what is in store that will be beautiful. Please, choose life over despair.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Job 42:2-3

“I know that you can do all things;
    no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
    Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me to know.

When Suffering Is Too Great For Words: Part One Part Two Part Three

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 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!

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. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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