The Bible doesn’t use the term PTSD, but it addresses the themes of trauma, fear, and healing. Scripture provides comfort for those who have suffered deeply, offering hope and peace through God’s presence and love. Let’s see how the Bible’s teachings can bring healing and comfort to those who are dealing with trauma and post-traumatic stress.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Manifestation
What Does The Bible Say About Ptsd
Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
This verse assures us that God is attentive to our cries for help and delivers us from our troubles. He is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, offering comfort and salvation.
In the context of PTSD, this verse reminds us that God sees our pain and is with us during our darkest moments. As we cry out to Him, He is there to bring healing and restoration to our wounded spirits.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God encourages us not to be afraid or discouraged because He is with us. He promises to strengthen, help, and uphold us with His mighty hand.
For individuals struggling with PTSD, this verse serves as a reminder that God is our source of strength and support. In the midst of fear and despair, we can find comfort and courage in knowing that He is by our side, ready to provide the help we need.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
This verse encourages us to entrust our worries and burdens to the Lord, knowing that He will sustain us and keep us steady. It assures us of His faithfulness to the righteous.
When dealing with PTSD, it is essential to lay our anxieties and traumas before God, allowing Him to bear the weight of our struggles. He promises to support us and keep us grounded in His righteousness.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites those who are exhausted and overwhelmed to come to Him and find rest. He promises a gentle and humble guide and a lighter burden for our souls.
Individuals grappling with PTSD can find solace in Jesus’ offer of rest. As we surrender our heavy loads to Him, He provides the peace and renewal that our weary souls desperately need.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus promises to give us His peace, a peace that surpasses the temporary peace offered by the world. He encourages us not to let our hearts be troubled or filled with fear.
For those struggling with PTSD, this verse offers a powerful reminder that God’s peace is available to us. Even in the midst of turmoil, we can find comfort and calmness in the assurance of His eternal peace.
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
God is the ultimate healer of the brokenhearted, tending to their wounds and bringing restoration.
In relation to PTSD, this verse brings hope that God can heal the emotional and psychological wounds inflicted by trauma. He specializes in bringing wholeness to our brokenness and bringing comfort to our hurting hearts.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
God is described as the Father of compassion and the source of all comfort. He not only comforts us in our own troubles but equips us to comfort others as well.
Individuals who have experienced PTSD can find purpose in their pain by offering God’s comfort to others who are also struggling. As we receive comfort from God, we become vessels of His compassion and empathy.
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
God promises His presence and protection in the midst of trials. Even when we face overwhelming circumstances, He assures us that we will not be overcome.
For individuals dealing with PTSD, this verse offers reassurance that God will be with them through the darkest moments. No matter how intense the emotional or psychological “waters” or “fires” may be, God’s presence will sustain and protect them.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
God’s presence eliminates the need to fear evil, even in the midst of the darkest valleys. His guidance and protection serve as a source of comfort.
In the context of PTSD, this verse offers a reminder that God’s presence is a constant source of strength. Even when faced with the effects of trauma, individuals can find solace in the knowledge that God is walking with them, providing comfort and protection.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Though we may experience temporary sorrow and weeping, God’s favor and joy endure forever. The morning will bring rejoicing and a restoration of hope.
For those grappling with PTSD, this verse provides a glimpse of the hope that lies ahead. It assures them that their pain and tears are not permanent and that God’s favor and joy will eventually replace their sorrow.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
God intricately designed and formed each individual, filling them with awe-inspiring wonder. He is deserving of praise for His marvelous works.
This verse reminds those with PTSD that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator Himself. Despite the effects of trauma, they possess immeasurable worth and value in His eyes.
Psalm 56:8
“Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record?”
God is aware of every tear shed and keeps a record of our sorrows.
Individuals dealing with PTSD can find comfort in knowing that God sees their pain and takes note of every tear. He is intimately acquainted with their suffering and is present to bring healing and restoration.
Psalm 30:11
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
God has the power to transform mourning into dancing, replacing sorrow with joy.
For those struggling with the effects of PTSD, this verse offers hope that God can bring about a profound transformation. He can heal their deepest wounds and replace their distress with genuine joy.
Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Jesus pronounces a blessing upon those who mourn, assuring them of comfort.
In the context of PTSD, this verse serves as a reminder that God offers His comforting presence to those who are grieving. He understands their pain and is ready to provide solace and healing.
Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
God promises that His love for us will never waver, even in the face of immense challenges. His covenant of peace remains steadfast.
Individuals struggling with PTSD can take solace in this verse, knowing that God’s love is unwavering. Despite the turmoil they may face, they can find stability, peace, and compassion in their relationship with Him.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
We are encouraged to release all our anxieties and worries to God because He cares deeply for us.
In the context of PTSD, this verse reminds individuals that they can bring their emotional burdens to God, knowing that He has a genuine concern for their well-being. He is ready and willing to carry their anxieties and bring comfort to their hearts.
Psalm 71:20
“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.”
God is capable of restoring life and bringing individuals back from the depths of despair, even in the face of numerous and severe troubles.
For those dealing with PTSD, this verse provides hope that God can resurrect their lives from the ruins of trauma. He can bring renewal, healing, and hope to even the darkest circumstances.
Psalm 103:2-5
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalmist calls for the soul to praise the Lord and remember the abundant benefits He bestows. These include forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and satisfaction.
For individuals dealing with PTSD, this verse serves as a reminder of the multifaceted blessings God offers. He forgives their sins, brings healing to their wounded hearts, redeems them from the pit of despair, and satisfies their longings with good things. Through His restoration, they find renewal and newfound strength.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
The Holy Spirit empowers us with boldness, love, and self-discipline, dispelling timidity and fear.
This verse reminds individuals dealing with PTSD that they have access to the Spirit of God, who equips them with strength, courage, and discipline. They do not have to succumb to fear or timidity but can rely on the Spirit’s power to navigate their journey towards healing and wholeness.
Romans 8:37-39
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Paul declares that we are overwhelmingly victorious through the love of Christ. Nothing can separate us from the all-encompassing love of God.
For individuals grappling with PTSD, this verse provides an assurance that the unending love of God is steadfast, transcending any challenge or circumstance they may face. They can rest in the knowledge that they are conquerors in Christ, secure in His unfailing love.
Psalm 91:4
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
God’s protective presence provides shelter and security, shielding us with His faithfulness.
Individuals affected by PTSD can find solace in this verse, knowing that God offers them refuge and protection. His faithfulness acts as a shield, defending them against the effects of trauma and bringing comfort to their hearts.