Healing transcends the physical realm and extends into the spiritual, mental, and emotional dimensions of life. Rooted in the teachings of Christ, the concept of healing is deeply embedded in the Christian faith and brings restoration to the soul. This plan will address the impact of childhood trauma on the soul, principles of care for the soul, and strategies to equip believers to walk healed, restored, and whole.
Covenant Counseling Services, LLC
Day 1
Scriptures: Jeremiah 6:16, 3 John 1:2
Soul Care and Why It Matters to God
Soul Care is the process of caring for the heart (the seat of the soul), which impacts the whole person. Every part of our lives matters to God, and He desires that we are well and thriving (whole in every way). 3 John 1:2 reads, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
The word soul is derived from the Greek word psyche and is often used synonymously as the self of a person- our mind, will, and emotions. As the Christian writer C.S. Lewis says, “You do not have a soul. You are a soul.” And the soul needs care.
In this context, soul care is defined as the process of becoming whole or well through deliverance, inner healing, and discipleship. This process includes engaging in God’s word, spirit-led disciplines, and healthy relationships that reveal the ancient paths of wholeness and true life (Jer. 6:16).
Soul Care is also an intentional practice of integrating all aspects of the human experience: spiritual, physical, relational, emotional, and mental. We are essentially taking the dark pieces of our past and holding them in the light of God’s truth (Christ). Coming into agreement with Christ sets to order the disorder from trauma, damaging words, and unhealthy relational experiences.
A brief introduction to soul and soul care is the starting point of this devotional. We cannot care for that which we do not understand. The more you understand the soul—the real you—the whole you—the more you will find the motivation to bring those dark pieces into the light of Christ and let Him mend the soul.
As we move forward, we will address the impact of childhood trauma on the soul and the strategies found in the Word of God (light of Christ) that will begin to bring healing and wholeness to the soul.
Day 2
Scriptures: Psalms 139:13-15, Psalms 34:18, Isaiah 61:1-2
Childhood Trauma
Interestingly enough, many do not claim to have experienced childhood trauma. They are either avoiding that painful area, have normalized their experience, or honestly have had a normal and healthy childhood.
Childhood trauma is defined as a traumatic event that is frightening, dangerous, or violent and poses a threat to life or bodily integrity. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens the life or physical security of a loved one (like adults fighting) can also be traumatic. Neglect is probably the most frequently experienced and normalized of childhood trauma. Not having basic physical, emotional, and relational needs met significantly impairs mental and emotional wellness.
Traumatic experiences can evoke strong emotions and physical reactions that may persist long after the event. I have witnessed, as a spirit-filled therapist, how trauma has contributed to a distorted self-image. Individuals do not see themselves as fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps.139:13-15). Many experience feelings of shame, guilt, and a pervasive sense of unworthiness.
We must know that God is close to the brokenhearted – impacted by those impacted by trauma (Ps. 34:18.) I love what Isaiah 61:1-2 (AMP) declares:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me to bring good news to the humble and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted, to proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives and freedom to prisoners, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.
We see clearly in the scripture God has sent His Son to ensure our total healing and freedom. Yet, when we have experienced trauma, it is difficult to receive the benefits of Christ’s death. Moving forward, we will address key areas to being able to partake in the healing, wholeness, and liberty Christ died for us to experience.
Day 3
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, John 1:12, Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 61:3
Identity: A New Creation in Christ
Childhood trauma disrupts identity formation and holds us back from accepting that we are a new creation in Christ Jesus. As a result, we may still have toxic traits from childhood trauma, especially if we have never experienced deliverance, inner healing, and spirit-led discipleship. Some of these traits could include people-pleasing, seeking the approval of others, self-centeredness, non-trusting, manipulation, paranoia, passive-aggressiveness, narcissism, impulsive behavior, tantrums, and relational insecurity.
Overcoming childhood trauma will require receiving your new identity in Christ. This is a transformative journey marked by uprooting lies and planting the Word of God in your soul. In facing and overcoming deep wounds of our early lives, we discover the profound truth that through Christ, we are not defined by the pain and brokenness of our childhood. Instead, embracing the redemptive power of God’s love allows us to experience rebirth—a profound transformation of identity, purpose, and destiny.
As new creations in Christ, you find solace and strength in the assurance that the old has passed away, and the new has come (2 Cor. 5:16-17); know that your faith in Christ gives you a right to be God’s child (John 1:12); scars of the past are not erased but redeemed, serving as a testament to God’s ability to bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
Through faith, individuals navigate a path of restoration, reclaiming their sense of self and forging a future that reflects the grace, mercy, and healing power of the Christ who makes all things new.
Caring for your soul will be marked by learning how to uproot lies stemming from negative childhood experiences, implanting God’s truth, and gaining the keys to living free from your past wounds.
Lie: There is something wrong with me.
Truth: You are created in God’s image. (Gen 1:27) Though circumstances may have fragmented your self-regard, Christ redeemed that image.
Strategy: Identify every lie from childhood that has negatively impacted your life. Find scripture that refutes the lie and meditate on that scripture three times a day for 21 days. It takes 21 days to start rewiring the brain. Anything we do repeatedly, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, gets wired into our brains. These patterns become well-worn paths that are very easy for the brain to travel down, and the more they are repeated, the more hardwired they become. Let’s hardwire our identity in Christ.
Day 4
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:16-19, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 4:13, James 4:7, Jeremiah 30:17
Forgiveness: Getting Unstuck
Childhood trauma causes deep and lasting emotional pain. The depth of pain keeps you stuck and serves as a barrier to forgiveness. Forgiveness requires us to confront and process this pain, which can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience.
Confrontation involves facing the wounds inflicted by past experiences, acknowledging the emotions they evoke, and embracing vulnerability. Your new identity in Christ provides the strength to face the past. Paul encourages us to stop regarding anyone from a human standpoint. Christ died so that we all could be pulled out of the quicksand of our past and have a new life found in Christ.
Forgiveness is always possible because it is a choice. I believe we confuse forgiveness and reconciliation. Reconciliation is a process, sometimes defined as making one view or belief compatible with another. Reconciliation, a fruit of forgiveness, is not always possible due to continued violations and boundary issues, even in adulthood. Repeated violations build a trauma wall that imprisons and oppresses.
Trauma can also erode trust in relationships, and trustworthy behavior is necessary to establish safety in relationships and further move into possible reconciliation. If a person decides not to model safety, you must accept true reconciliation is not possible. This will release you from the “stuck place,” hoping things will be different. What moves you from a stuck place is hope in Christ Jesus. He will never fail you.
Lie: I can’t let go of what happened to me.
Truth: I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] (Philippians 4:13 AMP).
Strategy: (1) Recognize if you are still stuck in unforgiveness. (2) Forgive immediately according to the scripture, Ephesians 4:32. (3) Acknowledge negative feelings and accept them is a part of the process of healing by the power of the Holy Spirit. (4) Daily submit and resist negative emotions or thoughts that arise (James 4:7). (5) Rest in knowing healing, restoration, and reconciliation is possible through Jesus Christ (Jer. 30:17).
Day 5
Scriptures: Proverbs 19:20-21, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Peter 5:10
Healing Forward: A Need for Wise Counsel
After identifying trauma and choosing to forgive, deciding to move forward toward healing is essential. I have termed this process healing forward. Healing forward requires a community dedicated to healing and wisdom. Jesus, our wonderful counselor, has provided spirit-led men and women with the wisdom to counsel and grace to support your healing journey.
There is so much safety with wise counsel. This is vital, being that safety is the very thing breached during childhood trauma. The first indicator that you are amongst wise counsel is your sense of safety. Your entire nervous system, which is usually heightened (fight, flight, freeze), will be at a new level of rest.
Once safety is established, wise counsel should help you discover the plans and purposes of the Lord for your life (Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 19:20-21). Experiencing trauma causes the soul to be moved by the dictates of our past.
It is God’s greatest desire that we would experience His grace (power to heal now and forward). Know that, in His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory through Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation (1 Peter 5:10).
We pray God will surround you with wise counsel:
1. Who is safe as you are learning to trust again
2. Who are patient as you are coming into the knowledge and understanding of God’s will for your life
3. Who are spirit-led as they are bringing you to the awareness of God’s grace that empowers you to heal forward.
Day 6
Scriptures: Hebrews 12:1, Proverbs 11:14, Isaiah 6:9, Jeremiah 1:10
Inner Work: Uprooting and Planting
Inner work is the idea mentioned in the scripture Jeremiah 1:10. The lies of the enemy must be uprooted, and the truth of God’s word must be planted.
This is the process of taking inventory of the fruit (thoughts, feelings, actions) in your life and exploring the roots (relational pathways or connections) of the tree (soul) producing the fruit.
Roots are formed from gravity pressing the seed and causing it to split into roots that poke and grip the ground (this ground is your heart). As soon as the tiny root tip penetrates the soil, the tree is fixed in the ground and can absorb water and mineral nutrients.
Imagine what your heart has absorbed over time because of the pressure (toxic environments/cares of the world) that work to press the seed (lies of the enemy) in the ground of your heart. If this happens, when we encounter relational harm (trauma), how much more powerful and life-giving when we encounter the truth and the love of the Father!
Here is the Strategy for Uprooting and Planting:
As you encounter roots of death and destruction, pull them up, confront them, and declare they will no longer receive nourishment (your or others’ thoughts/words/actions).
Ask the Holy Spirit to help, strengthen, and encourage you to lay aside the weight (the gravity/pressure/cares of this world) causing ensnarement (Hebrews 12:1).
We must know that the Father has delivered healing through Jesus – a major truth to be planted. Be patient with yourself during this process because this is the real surgery that allows healing to spring forth.
Day 7
Scriptures: Isaiah 43:19, Romans 15:13, John 8:36, Ephesians 2:10, Proverbs 3:5-6
Outcomes of Healing
The outcomes of seeking God for healing and transformation for spiritual and emotional restoration are numerous. Below, I have listed a few indicators that you are breaking through into a new level of healing:
1. Spiritual Renewal: You will experience a deepened spiritual connection with God. This is demonstrated by a renewed sense of faith, a healthier prayer life, and a greater understanding of God’s love and grace. (Isaiah 43:19)
2. Emotional Healing: You will find relief from emotional wounds, trauma, and pain. This may be demonstrated by a deepened sense of peace, joy, hope, and emotional well-being (Romans:1513)
3. Freedom from Bondage: You will experience freedom from various forms of bondage, such as addictions, unhealthy habits, and destructive thought patterns (John 8:36).
4. Purpose and Direction: You will have a deeper clarity about your purpose and direction in life. This may be demonstrated by a renewed sense of calling and a deeper understanding of how they can serve God and others with their unique gifts and talents (Ephesians 2:10)
5. Increased Trust in God: You will sense deeper trust in God’s plan and sovereignty. This will be experienced through an improved ability to surrender your fears, anxieties, and uncertainties to God, trusting that He is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6)