Psalm 3 and PTSD

King David understood the effects of trauma due to the various difficulties in his life. Psalm 3 was written when he, even while being king of Israel, had to run from his son, Absalom, who was raising a rebellion against him.

Sometimes, PTSD can come from difficult and toxic people in our own families. Take a look at Psalm 3 and see what lies PTSD will try to speak and what truths about God are expressed by David during this time of great trouble.

Verses 1 and 2 describe some of the lies that PTSD will try to cause you to believe. "How many are my foes!" PTSD will try to exaggerate the number of enemies that you have. If we believe this lie, then we will give up before we learn to trust God due to the overwhelming number of enemies against us.

If we listen to the wrong voices, "Many are saying of my soul," and if we listen to the wrong advice, "There is no salvation for him in God," then we will capitulate, roll over and die. Neither one is the truth. We KNOW there is salvation available from our God.

Verses 3-4 speak the truth about God and His ability to save. God can be a shield about you. God can lift your head. Someone whose head is downcast is a picture of someone who is depressed and possibly despondent. God can lift the head of the depressed and defeated! Also, God will answer those who cry aloud to Him!

Verses 5-6 speak more truth about who God is and what God can do. The LORD can sustain us in our time of need. We do not need to be afraid, no matter how many seem to be against us. We do not need to fear any circumstances either.

Verse 7 is a prayer to pray. God can save us. God can strike our enemies, breaking their teeth (their ability to speak lies to us).

Verse 8 is a promise to believe. Salvation belongs to the LORD and He can bless His people. If you cry out to Jesus, the Redeemer of our souls. He can forgive us our sin and give us power over the lies of PTSD.

May God bless you richly as you turn to Him, listening to His Word and reject the lies of the Enemy.