Dealing with Trauma and Hurt through the Lens of Scripture
Welcome to Living Word Cast! I’m Pastor Michael Chilcott, coming to you from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This podcast exists to proclaim, teach, and explore the Word of God together. Our goal is to provide sound theological and biblical guidance on all things Scripture, helping you grow deeper in your understanding of the Bible and your relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re seeking answers, encouragement, or a closer walk with God, this podcast is here to help you stay firmly rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
Today, we’re going to address something that touches each of us at some point in our lives—trauma and hurt. Whether it’s the sting of betrayal, the pain of loss, or the scars left by past mistakes, hurt is an inevitable part of living in a fallen world. But the good news is, as Christians, we don’t have to walk through these dark valleys alone. We have a Savior who understands our pain, and His Word provides us with hope and healing.
Let's dive into the heart of this topic by first understanding what trauma and hurt are, then looking at what Scripture teaches us about dealing with these painful experiences.
Trauma is often described as a wound that affects our emotional, psychological, and sometimes even physical well-being. It is the result of an event or series of events that disrupt our sense of safety, security, and peace. This disruption can occur in numerous ways. For instance:
Abuse: Whether physical, emotional, or sexual, abuse creates deep scars that can alter how we view ourselves, others, and even God. It can lead to long-lasting feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness.
Betrayal: When a close relationship is broken by betrayal—whether by a spouse, friend, or family member—it can shake us to the core. Trust is torn apart, and we often find ourselves questioning not only the person who hurt us but our ability to trust again.
Loss of a Loved One: The death of a family member, friend, or loved one can cause profound grief. The pain of losing someone who was a part of your life and identity can leave you feeling empty, angry, and heartbroken. Grief is often described as a form of trauma because it disrupts life and brings about intense emotional and spiritual pain.
Divorce: Divorce can be a deeply traumatic experience, especially when there’s a breakdown in a marriage that once seemed promising. The pain of divorce often encompasses feelings of rejection, fear of the future, and deep sadness over the dissolution of a relationship that may have once been central to one’s life.
Violence or Witnessing Trauma: Experiencing or witnessing violence—whether through a traumatic event such as an assault, war, or an act of terror—can leave individuals with long-term emotional and psychological scars. The feeling of being unsafe, constantly alert, and fearful becomes a normal part of life for many.
The Emotional Depth of Hurt
While trauma often originates from specific events, hurt is the emotional suffering that arises as a response to those events. Hurt encompasses a wide array of feelings:
Emotional Pain: Trauma doesn’t just leave psychological scars; it often leads to deep emotional pain. You might feel grief, anxiety, anger, or even confusion in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Emotions like helplessness, fear, or despair can become overwhelming, and they can cloud your ability to think clearly or experience peace.
Broken Relationships: Hurt often arises from broken relationships. When someone we trust disappoints or betrays us, we are wounded emotionally. This hurt can create distance between us and others, sometimes leaving us feeling isolated, misunderstood, or even abandoned.
Loss of Hope: Hurt can lead to a loss of hope, where it seems like things will never get better. When someone has endured deep hurt, they might believe that they are unworthy of love or that happiness will always be out of reach.
