Charging Through the Storm: A Biblical Approach to Overcoming Trauma

Have you ever felt like you're constantly running from the storms of life? Like no matter how fast you try to escape, the dark clouds of past trauma keep catching up with you? You're not alone. As humans, we all face traumatic experiences that can leave lasting scars on our hearts and minds. But what if I told you there's a better way to deal with these storms – a way that leads to healing and freedom?

The Universality of Trauma

Let's face it: trauma is a part of the human experience. The American Psychological Association defines trauma as "an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster." Research shows that 60-75% of American adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. That's a staggering number, isn't it?

But here's the thing – trauma doesn't have to be a life sentence. Just because it's a fact of life doesn't mean it has to define your future. As Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV) reminds us:
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

God is in the business of making things new, including our wounded hearts and minds.

The Danger of Avoiding Trauma

When we experience trauma, our natural instinct is often to run away from it. We try to bury the pain, pretend it never happened, or distract ourselves with other things. But here's the hard truth: the greatest trauma in our lives is not the event that happened – it's continuing to live in that event.

Think about the Israelites after they were freed from slavery in Egypt. They were just 30 or 40 days away from the Promised Land, but instead of embracing God's promises, they let their fear and past trauma hold them back. They even considered returning to slavery because it felt more comfortable than facing the unknown!

Numbers 13:31-33 tells us:
"But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.' So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, 'The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height... and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.'"

Can you relate to this? Have you ever let past hurts or fears keep you from stepping into the good things God has for you?

The Buffalo Mentality: Charging into the Storm

So how do we break free from the cycle of running from our trauma? We need to adopt what I like to call the "buffalo mentality." Let me explain.

In Colorado, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains, you can find both buffalo and cows. When a storm approaches from the west, cows instinctively try to run east to escape it. The problem is, they're not fast enough. They end up running alongside the storm, prolonging their suffering.

Buffalo, on the other hand, do something remarkable. They wait for the storm to reach the mountain crest, then turn and charge directly into it. By running through the storm, they minimize their time in the difficult conditions.

We have a choice in how we respond to the storms of life. We can be like the cows, constantly trying to outrun our problems and traumas, or we can be like the buffalo and face them head-on.

Isaiah 43:2 promises us:
"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up. The flames will not consume you."

God doesn't promise to take away all our storms, but He does promise to be with us as we go through them.

Practical Steps for Facing Your Trauma

So how do we put this buffalo mentality into practice? Here are some steps you can take:

1. Acknowledge your trauma: Don't try to bury or ignore it. Bring it into the light.

2. Cry out to God: Pour out your heart to Him. As Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

3. Find a trusted confidant: Share your story with someone who will listen without judgment and point you towards healing.

4. Seek professional help if needed: There's no shame in talking to a counselor or therapist who can provide specialized support.

5. Take small steps forward: You don't have to face everything at once. Start with one aspect of your trauma and work through it with God's help.

6. Practice gratitude: Even in the midst of pain, try to find things to be thankful for. Gratitude can shift our perspective and open our eyes to God's presence in our lives.

Remember, healing is a process. It takes time, and there may be setbacks along the way. But with God by your side and the courage to face your storms, you can experience the freedom and peace He has for you.

Don't let trauma rob you of the life God has promised you. It's time to turn around, face that storm, and charge through it with the strength and courage that only comes from our mighty God.

What storm are you facing today? Are you ready to stop running and start charging through it with God's help? The choice is yours. Will you be a cow or a buffalo?

Next Steps:
1. Identify one area of trauma or challenge you've been avoiding.
2. Spend time in prayer, asking God for the courage to face it.
3. Share your decision to "charge the storm" with a trusted friend or family member who can support and encourage you.
4. Take one concrete step this week towards addressing that challenge, no matter how small it may seem.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. God is with you, and He's cheering you on as you take these brave steps forward. Let's face our storms together, knowing that on the other side lies the freedom and peace we've been longing for.

-Pastor Kasey
Associate Pastor