“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

The conversation was going along fine. Laughing. Poking fun. Making plans for a vacation. Just having a good time … until we weren’t.

I said something in a joking manner, but my friend didn’t hear it that way, and the tables suddenly turned. My friend responded with instant anger and annoyance, which caught me off guard, and I felt misunderstood. Then the friend made some hurtful remarks and walked away.

Instantly, I shut down and my walls came up, which has become my involuntary response to these types of situations. Anxiety rolled in, my thoughts plummeted, and flashback visions of the past played before my eyes as if they were actually happening — as if I was reliving traumatic events all over again. The emotions and hurt I routinely felt in past, similar circumstances with someone else felt just as strong in the present moment.

Just when I thought I was doing OK … something triggered a past memory of a trauma that occurred. Feelings crashed down, fears flared up and walls erected.

Triggers from emotional wounds are real. They leave us feeling vulnerable, unsafe, unable to trust others, and at times unable to move forward with a healthy state of mind, peace or joy. Fear seeps into our souls, and it can be hard to shake.

Although the Bible doesn’t specifically address the phrase “emotional triggers,” we can still glean so much wisdom and comfort from many passages in Scripture as we cope and heal. Today’s key verse is merely one of those. Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

God’s Word tells us countless times not to fear because He’s got us covered (Isaiah 41:10). We have the power, through Him, to control our feelings, though that’s not always easy (Proverbs 16:32).

God's Word also helps us find freedom from our thoughts by capturing them and turning them around (2 Corinthians 10:5). His comfort can soothe our emotions as we breathe in His love (2 Corinthians 1:4).

As we lay our burdens at His feet, God ushers peace into our hearts (Matthew 11:28). We can learn to practice forgiveness of the ones who hurt us and to release the bondage of traumatic memories and anger (Ephesians 4:31).

We can lean into trusting God, believing He has our past and our future in His hands because of the love He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). We can have faith that we will overcome adversity in His strength and power, just like David, Peter, Paul and even Jesus did in Scripture (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

All of these biblical truths and practices can slowly heal us from the inside out, alongside the God-given blessings of counseling, therapy and medication if needed.

Over the years, I’ve finally learned that the hurt I endured during my marriage left scabs on my heart that can be all too easily ripped open. And when that happens, it only compounds other traumatic experiences earlier in life where emotional scars run deep. Yet if I remember all the countless holy truths and promises woven throughout God’s Word, I can learn to feel empowered to see life through His lens instead of mine — and you can do the same.

A lot of people experience triggers from any form of emotional, mental or physical trauma every single day — maybe even you. But regardless of what caused your wounds, healing is possible for all believers with God’s help. There are many beneficial avenues of healing that modern medicine provides, yet our faith is the core foundation that will get us through.

Because of our Lord, we don’t have to let fears, hurts from the past or triggers in the present dictate who we are or if we are happy. They don’t have to have control over us if we put God in control instead.

Healing is a process, not a destination, and God will be with us every step of the way.

Dear Lord, it is heartbreaking to suffer from the mental anguish of emotional scars that feel like they can't be healed. Please pour Your merciful love and peace into the heart of anyone trying to manage this invisible pain, and soothe every wounded soul with the healing power of Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Join us for She Speaks 2023: A Conference for Christian Communicators, happening July 13-14, 2023, in Charlotte, NC, and online! For over 20 years, She Speaks has helped thousands of women find, own and use their voices to make an eternal impact, and we want you to be one of them. Regain the confidence you need to do what God’s called you to, and experience guided workshops specifically designed to encourage and equip you. Click here to register today!

If you suffer from emotional wounds because of separation or divorce or know someone who is struggling with this, consider purchasing Tracie Miles’ book Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce and the accompanying Living Unbroken: A Divorce Recovery Workbook.

ENGAGE

Visit Tracie’s blog at traciemiles.com for encouragement about healing from emotional wounds and triggers and to learn how you can grow from even the worst of experiences. You can also connect with Tracie on Facebook and Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Jeremiah 30:17, “‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD …” (NIV).

Psalm 91:4, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (NLT).

What’s one step in your healing journey you need to take today with God? We would love to know in the comments!

© 2023 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.