Trauma and Its Impacts on Faith

Faith is largely hinged on how we view God, and there is one thing that can do a lot of damage in this regard—trauma. That’s because faith is hinged on trust, and trauma can make it very difficult to trust in anyone, including God. Below are some common forms of trauma, and how these traumas can negatively affect our perception of God—and subsequently, our faith. 

Childhood Trauma – God as Our Father in Heaven

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation (Psalm 68:5).

One of the first ways that we experience God is through our parents. If our parents were abusive, negligent, or absent, then it’s no wonder if we struggle to view God in a healthy way. 

Our parents are supposed to provide for us physically, emotionally, and spiritually while offering unconditional love and guidance. Childhood trauma that’s rooted in parental abuse can cause us to view God as overly critical, unstable, unpredictable, unloving, or untrustworthy, or we might doubt that God is there at all. 

However, God is not an abusive parent. He is a loving Father, even a “father of the fatherless” as stated above:

• God is not here to criticize you. He shows you your faults out of love because He wants better for you. 
• God is consistent and reliable.  He is true to His word, and you can trust in Him to do everything He says at a time that’s best for you.
• God loves you. God is love and all love is of God, and it is His love that forgives us, heals us, and promises everlasting life. 
• God is with you. He is always with you, so much so that He sent His Son to live among us, and die for us, and through the Holy Spirit He lives within us. He will never leave you if you put your faith in Him—and He can give you the faith that you need. 

Romantic Relationship Trauma – God as Our Bridegroom

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10).

Sometimes trauma occurs during relationships with romantic spouses and partners. For example, if a spouse is physically or emotionally abusive, irresponsible, unreliable, or unfaithful, then we might view God in the same way, even subconsciously. 

However, as Christians, we are “espoused to Christ,” and He is not going to treat us in harmful ways: 

• He loves us so much that He gave Himself for us. 
• He provides us with everything we need. 
• We can trust in Him. 
• He is gentle, not abusive. 
• He is selfless, not selfish. 
• He is perfectly faithful and trustworthy.  

Spiritual Trauma – God as Our Savior 

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:18-20).

Sometimes trauma occurs in spiritual settings, and this can do a lot of harm when the people we have looked up to in the faith harmed us in some way. Not only can this lead to a distorted view of God, but it might make us question the reality of the Christian faith. God through Jesus Christ came to save us from all things, including false saviors. 

Disaster Trauma – God as Our Healer 

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24).

Whether we endure trauma from a natural disaster, a serious accident, a medical condition, or the loss of a loved one, we might be tempted to lose faith. Sometimes God works in ways that we do not understand, but the ultimate goal is our spiritual restoration and healing. 

All things are working together for our ultimate good, and we can trust in God to heal our spirits and souls. He can also heal our bodies if this is what is best for us, and through faith, we can one day be reunited with our loved ones in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Having Trouble with Your Faith? Trauma Christian Counseling in Raleigh, NC Can Help!

Do you think that your problems with doubt might come from trauma? If so, then Christian counseling can help. For example, the Christian therapists in Raleigh, NC at Sojourner Counseling provide Christian trauma counseling that can address all symptoms of PTSD or CPTSD—including those that impact faith. We will be respectful of where you are in your faith experience listen to you and understand your comfort for including –or not including– faith in sessions. We provide a variety of faith-based methods that can be tailored to your specific needs, including counseling for children and teens.  Reach out to us anytime to learn more.