Critical Incidents
As Christians, the way that we respond to traumatic events depends upon how we interpret those events. In other words, our Christian worldview ought to provide the framework for how we think about the critical incidents that we experience (2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8). Although certainly not exhaustive, here is a brief survey of five Christian truths that serve to help us properly respond to traumatic circumstances.
First, God is trustworthy. Probably the most comforting reality in the life of a Christian who is experiencing difficult circumstances is the perfect character of God. When faced with affliction and trouble, we can fix our hope and confidence in the sovereign, wise, and loving God of the Bible. Because of his perfect attributes, including his sovereignty and wisdom (Job 42:1–3; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Lamentations 3:37–38), his justice (Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:6–7; 1 Peter 2:23), his goodness (Psalm 119:68, 71; Revelation 21:4) and his compassion (Isaiah 40:29–31; Lamentations 3:18–24), we can fully trust God in all difficult situations.
Second, God is always working out his perfect and good plan for us (Romans 8:28). For the believer, even trials, pain, and difficulties are a part of God’s holy and good plan. According to the Bible, God works through all things to bring himself glory and to accomplish the greatest good for the Christian, which is our growth in holiness (Romans 8:28–29). God makes beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3) and he takes evil and uses it for good (Genesis 50:20).
Third, we must view reality in light of sin, its effects, and God’s answer to the sin problem. According to Genesis 3, mankind fell into sin and God responded with grave, yet just, consequences. All of the negative, evil, and traumatic things that we experience are the result of the Fall and human sinfulness. However, God, in his grace and mercy, provided an answer to the sin problem. He sent his Son into the world to forgive sinners (John 3:16) and to ultimately conquer sin, evil, and death for all time through his death and resurrection (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 25:8–9; Romans 8:31–39; 1Corinthians 15:54–57; Colossians 2:15 Revelation 21–22)! This provides a hopeful future (and present!) for all who trust in Jesus.
Fourth, trials have profound benefits in the life of a Christian. As Christians, when we experience difficult things, we can know that God is growing our character. James 1:2–4 says that trials confirm the faith of the Christian, produce endurance, and cause one to grow more mature in one’s Christian character. Additionally, Romans 5:3–5 gives a series of compounding benefits to tribulations, stating that tribulation produces perseverance, perseverance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope! Instead of seeing traumatic events as those things that produce negative effects on us, we ought to understand that God uses these hard things to conform us to the precious image of his beloved Son!
Fifth, God tells us to use our difficulty for noble purposes. According to 2 Corinthians 1:3–5, God, who is amazingly called the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, comforts us in all our affliction. He does so for a specific purpose, that we might be enabled to comfort others who are going through trouble. We must be quick to use the tender, merciful comfort of God which we have received by God to care for those around us in the same way. This should provide renewed purpose and a distinct mission in the life of the one who has endured much difficulty.
Of course, there are many more truths in the Bible that would be worthy of consideration for the one dealing with post-traumatic stress. If you would like help navigating your response to critical incidents, please contact us today.
For Personal Study:
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges Help! I Can’t Handle All These Trials by Joel James