Be Encouraged: How to Deal with War-Related PTSD as a Christian
By: Minister Denise N. Fyffe
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious and painful condition that can affect those who have experienced the horrors of war—whether as soldiers, civilians, refugees, or survivors. For Christians, healing from war-related PTSD involves both spiritual and practical approaches. God’s Word offers peace, restoration, and strength, but healing is also a journey that may require medical and emotional support.
Today, I want to encourage anyone who is suffering silently after war—those struggling with flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, or spiritual confusion. If you are dealing with war PTSD, know that God sees your pain, He cares for you, and He wants to walk with you toward healing.
1. Acknowledge the Trauma Without Shame
The first step toward healing is to admit that you are hurting. PTSD is not a sign of weak faith or failure—it is a human response to trauma. Even strong, faithful men and women in Scripture struggled emotionally after hardship.
Think of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After a great spiritual victory, he fled into the wilderness, depressed and afraid. He said, “I have had enough, Lord… take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4). God didn’t scold him. Instead, He fed him, let him rest, and spoke gently to him.
God understands your trauma and doesn’t expect you to “just get over it.” He invites you to bring it all to Him.
2. Seek God’s Presence in the Midst of Pain
PTSD often makes you feel abandoned or unsafe. But God’s Word promises that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). When you feel overwhelmed, call on the name of Jesus. Even short prayers like “Lord, help me,” or “Jesus, be near,” open the door to peace.
Make time to dwell in God’s presence. Read comforting Scriptures such as:
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you… Let not your heart be troubled.”
- Psalm 91 – A powerful psalm of protection and safety.
Spend time in worship—even quietly. Worship can restore peace to a weary mind and help you shift focus from fear to faith.
3. Connect with a Faith-Filled Community
You are not meant to carry this burden alone. Isolation can worsen PTSD symptoms, but Christian fellowship can provide healing support. Share your struggle with a trusted pastor, counselor, or believer who will listen, pray with you, and walk with you through your journey.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Being heard, loved, and supported is vital for healing. If you don’t have a supportive church nearby, ask God to connect you with online ministries or prayer lines.
4. Use Christian Counseling and Trauma Resources
While prayer and Scripture are essential, God also works through Christian mental health professionals. Seeking therapy is not a lack of faith—it is an act of stewardship over the mind and soul God has given you.
Look for counselors trained in trauma care who respect your faith. Therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), cognitive behavioral therapy, and pastoral counseling can be helpful. You can also explore support groups for trauma survivors.
Proverbs 11:14 says, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
5. Reject the Lies of the Enemy
PTSD often brings guilt, shame, or lies like:
- “I should be stronger.”
- “God doesn’t care.”
- “I’m broken beyond repair.”
These are lies from the enemy. The truth is: you are deeply loved by God. You are not forsaken. And you are never beyond healing.
Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Don’t believe the enemy’s voice—cling to God’s truth.
6. Find Purpose in the Pain
God can redeem even the darkest parts of your story. You may one day use your testimony to help others heal. Scripture says, “We comfort others with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).
As healing begins, ask God: “How can I use my experience to glorify You or help others?” Whether it’s writing, speaking, praying for others, or simply living with quiet strength—your journey can shine light in a dark world.
Be Encouraged
Dear Christian warrior—whether you fought on a battlefield or lived through bombings and loss—God sees your wounds. He does not turn away. He offers healing, rest, and restoration. You are not alone. God is your refuge. Jesus is your healer. The Holy Spirit is your comforter.
Be gentle with yourself. Take one step at a time. Cry when you need to. Rest when you can. But never give up.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Let Him begin that healing in you today. There is hope after war. There is peace after the storm. And there is life—abundant, joyful, and whole—waiting for you in Christ.
Please feel free to drop us a line, using the Prayer Request Contact form and we will pray for you.
The Invitation
I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?
Trust God to help you with that first step.
Be encouraged.
Be bold.
Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.
It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.
About the writer:
Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.
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