Introduction to PTSD and the Psalms
- Jason McCray
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
It has been on my heart and mind to write a blog about the relationship between the Psalms and PTSD. This idea came to light during one of my Fireside Reflection moments.
PTSD usually stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but in my blog, I would like to give hope for healing in PTSD by combining the Psalms and the letters PTSD. I suggest that PTSD stands for "Psalms That Speak of Deliverance".
You will see that the Psalms are filled with the language and experience of PTSD. Words like distress, shame, anger, doubt, groaning, crying, guilt, depression and anxiety are a few examples of how the Psalms address this issue.
The Psalms communicate the lies that PTSD tries to enslave people with. You see lies like: God cannot hear, God does not care and God cannot save. The Psalms also communicate the truth of freedom through/from PTSD. God is described as a Champion for the oppressed and downtrodden. God is a refuge, a fortress, a shield. God can bring grace, relief, rest, sleep and victory.
It is my prayer that you will hear God speak through His Word, be empowered by His Spirit and be delivered from the chains of PTSD. In the following blogs, we will investigate selected Psalms with a twofold focus: (1) Uncover the lies of PTSD and (2) Discover the Truth of God's Word.
Jesus said, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 ESV)
Looking forward to seeing where this takes us.
Whether you call it Shell Shock, Battle Fatigue, Delayed Stress Syndrome (Post-Vietnam Syndrome) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) it is a very real and cruel thing that many service members, among others, must face every day. We lose too many of them through suicide. My sincere prayer is that these messages will be read, meditated on, and acted upon daily. May our Lord allow your expounding on His Word bless and help them as they continue their journey back to wholeness. Grace and peace.
I tried to comment on the first one also. But, couldn’t get it to work. Anxiously waiting 🙌🏼
Definitely like this better! Thanks for doing this.
I'm excited for this blog to grow. I believe it will help you to reach out to a lot of people. Thank you for all the time you invest in the community.