Christian, hope

Hope for Victims of Trauma

Cindy Dawson

Reflection for Friday, 7/10/26

I experienced trauma over 20 years ago, but PTSD can linger for many years, causing anxiety and unwanted dreams. When I read these verses, I prayed, Lord, help me forget. They encouraged me, and I pray they will encourage you, too.

β€œDo not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.
    Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
    and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. … Though the mountains be shaken
    and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” ” Isaiah 54:4 & 10 NIV (emphasis mine) Read full chapter

The Hebrew word for forget is őākaαΈ₯. In Biblical Hebrew, őākaαΈ₯ is not just a passive cognitive slip of the mind. Instead, it signifies willfully moving past a trauma, letting go of a previous status, or no longer acting in accordance with past grief. (David Guzik)

We can’t do this in our own strength, but we don’t have to.

Although these verses are speaking directly to Israel, they reveal the heart of God. His compassion and unfailing love are beyond comprehension. With the help of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may those who have experienced trauma remember no more.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV

This is the first step toward healing.

In His Love, Cindy

P.S. If this doesn’t apply to you directly, may you use it to comfort and encourage someone who needs hope.

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

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15 thoughts on “Hope for Victims of Trauma”

  1. Thank you for sharing this encouraging message today Cindy. Trauma comes in many forms, I include my brain tumour and daily management as trauma. I love the explanation of “forget” by David Guzik – he is a good man of God. May our Father God continue to guide and bless you today my friend and sister πŸ™

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      1. Some memories retraumatize the person every time they come to mind. Others, when healed, are still memories but don’t cause pain, just a recollection of God’s deliverance and lessons learned.

        I heard this from a woman who had been blinded by thieves who had broken into her house. She had forgiven them, but since she hasn’t received her sight back, obviously she couldn’t “forget” she was blind. But since she had forgiven the perpetrators, she wasn’t bitter, just praising God that He was still with her. I hope that makes sense. (She explained it much better.)

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        1. Yes, that makes sense. Thank you for explaining it. Trauma and the resulting PTSD is complicated. I think that in some cases we won’t see God’s promise fulfilled in this life. But someday healing will come, even if it is in Heaven. I don’t claim to be an expert in this area, but when I discovered the verses about forgetting I was greatly encouraged. We must not blame the person who can’t forget or who is experiencing PTSD. It doesn’t mean they haven’t forgiven or that they are bitter. God bless you, Annie, as you serve the Savior! πŸ’•

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          1. This story was a response to people who claim that “If you haven’t forgotten, you haven’t forgiven,” which is (to use the technical term) hogwash.

            I also don’t buy the notion that if you’re still working through something, you can’t have truly forgiven. Some things we just have to give over to God multiple times. Forgiveness is not a feeling, it’s an act if the will. In many cases it has to be.

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