Rise Up from Trauma

Trauma is something many of us carry—some silently, some painfully. And yet, in the church, there has often been a stigma around it. The truth is, trauma does not make you weak, broken, or less spiritual. It makes you human.

Let’s be clear: seeking help—especially professional counselling—is not a sign of weakness. It doesn’t diminish your faith or spiritual maturity. In fact, choosing healing is one of the bravest things you can do. The church must be a place that champions counselling, not shames it.

But what does the Bible say about trauma?

Let’s look at the life of Job. A wealthy, righteous man who feared God and lived with integrity. In one sweep of tragedy, Job lost everything—his wealth, his children, his health. His life was shattered. Trauma hit him from every side. And yet, the end of Job’s story is marked by restoration and double blessing.

This truth should stir something in you: just because your story started in trauma doesn’t mean it has to end there.What has been doesn’t have to define what is coming. There is blessing on its way.

So, how did Job move from deep trauma to divine blessing? Here are four lessons we can learn from his journey:

1. Our Response Is Our Responsibility

Trauma is often out of our control. But our response? That’s on us.

James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial..." That word blessed doesn’t always feel fitting when we’re suffering. But the kingdom of God turns things upside down. Suffering, when met with perseverance, brings reward.

In Job 1:20–21, we see Job’s stunning response: "He fell to the ground in worship… 'The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.'"

He didn’t curse God. He didn’t walk away. He chose praise. Trauma didn’t rob him of his worship. And it doesn’t have to rob you of yours either.

2. Integrity Matters—Even in the Pain

When life is hard, our temptation is to compromise. It’s easy to stand in integrity when everything’s going well. But real character is revealed in the struggle.

In Job 2, after being struck with boils from head to toe, even his wife urged him to curse God and die. But Job held onto his integrity. He asked, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10)

Many people turn from God when trauma hits. But Job shows us a better way—to remain steady, even in grief. He didn’t pretend the pain wasn’t real. But he didn’t let it define his faith.

Jesus, too, responded to trauma with integrity. Hours before His crucifixion, He cried out in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Matthew 26:39) He chose obedience over ease. Suffering over escape. Why? So that you and I could be made whole.

Let’s not settle in trauma when Jesus died to make us triumphant.

3. Your Community Is Your Choice

In Job 2:11–13, Job’s friends come and sit with him in silence. That’s powerful. Sometimes we need people who will just sit in the dirt with us. But over time, those same friends start to misjudge, criticize, and spiritualize his pain.

This teaches us something vital: choose your community wisely. Surround yourself with people who will speak life, not condemnation. Who point you to Jesus, not shame.

Church, let’s be the kind of people who rise up with others in the dirt—not just observe them from a distance. Let’s be present, patient, and prayerful.

4. God Is Faithful—Always

Even when life falls apart, God does not.

Job’s story ends with this beautiful sentence in Job 42:10: “The Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Our God is the restorer.

1 Peter 5:10 says, "After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." This is the nature of God—He doesn’t leave you broken. He doesn’t abandon you in your trauma. He steps into it, walks with you, and brings healing.

If you're still in the ashes, hold on. Restoration is coming.

Final Thoughts

Trauma is real. And painful. And messy. But it’s not the end of your story.

Jesus understands your suffering. He carried trauma to the cross so that you could carry peace in your heart. You don’t have to carry this alone. Let’s rise up from trauma—not by pretending it didn’t happen—but by responding with praise, keeping our integrity, choosing the right community, and holding fast to the faithfulness of God.

Your trauma does not disqualify you. In Christ, it can be a testimony.

5 Questions for Personal Reflection or Life Groups

1. In what ways have you seen trauma impact your spiritual life, positively or negatively?
2. How does Job’s response to suffering challenge or inspire you?
3. Are there any unhealthy coping mechanisms or compromises you’ve turned to in times of trauma?
4. Who are the people in your life who “sit in the dirt” with you—and who do you do that for?
5. What would it look like to trust God with your restoration today, even if healing feels far off?

Let this be the day you stop surviving trauma and start rising from it—in Jesus’ name.