June 27th is National PTSD Awareness Day in the United States, where an estimated 7–8% of Americans will experience PTSD in their lifetimes. Like other forms of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often impacts physical, mental, and emotional health. It can also become a barrier between hurting people and the message of God’s love and comfort in his Word. This leaves people feeling broken, isolated, and overwhelmed with sorrow.

In the Bible, God has revealed his heart for people struggling with trauma and pain: “He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 GNT). And, through Jesus Christ, he offers everyone the ultimate promise of restoration: “We are healed by the punishment [Jesus] suffered, made whole by the blows he received” (Isaiah 53:5b GNT).

But can the Bible make a real difference in the life of someone carrying the burden of trauma?

A recent study from Baylor University and American Bible Society shows that men in U.S. prisons experience PTSD at rates that are significantly higher (30–60%) than the average male population (3–6%). Many had suffered from various traumas since their childhood. Volunteers brought Bible-based trauma healing into the prisons, helping prisoners learn how to talk about their grief, forgive people who had hurt them, and find hope for the future in God’s Word. Those who participated in trauma healing groups experienced a significant, long-term decrease in PTSD and other negative symptoms of trauma. Through the power of the Scriptures, their journey of restoration continued even after the trauma healing groups were completed.

Bible-based trauma healing is a proven way to help people move beyond their suffering and claim the healing promises of God’s Word. It has offered hope to Military members and Veterans through a trauma healing course designed specifically for them. It has helped widows and orphans in the Democratic Republic of Congo heal from PTSD and forgive their attackers. And, through you, trauma healing can be a source of comfort for people in your life who are still living under the weight of their trauma.

You don’t need training or specialized knowledge to start sharing the healing power of the Scriptures with those around you. With Trauma Healing Basics, you can access free, Bible-based materials designed for anyone to use and share. Share the journey of trauma healing by downloading these three free resources today!

Recognizing Trauma

This basic guide helps you recognize signs of trauma and provides helpful insights from Scripture, along with actions you can take to let people know that you care about their pain.

Download or listen to this basic guide on how you can recognize trauma.

Three Questions to Ask Someone Who Is Hurting

This practical tool provides you with three simple questions that can communicate your support to someone experiencing trauma.

Download, print, and share Three Questions to Ask Someone Who Is Hurting.

Finding Healing After the COVID-19 Crisis

If you or someone you love is struggling with ongoing trauma connected to the pandemic, Beyond Disaster is a free booklet that can help you start your journey to healing.

Download Beyond Disaster.

Blog Sources

“PTSD: National Center for PTSD.” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp