My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
and by night, but find no rest.
Psalm 22:1-2

These words give voice to the experience of utter aloneness and despair that too often overwhelms many of us in the darkest points in our lives. Often these dark points are precipitated by deep trauma – physical, emotional, spiritual – a sudden painful, unexpected, traumatic event or series of events which overwhelm our ability to cope, to understand, to defend ourselves. The experience of trauma plunges us into the depths where it is a struggle to survive, let alone heal, connect, or feel joyfully alive.

The reality and experience of trauma raises profound questions about God and his goodness, about our own identity and path forward, and about our relationships with others. Where do we turn when trauma has shattered our sense of safety and self to the point where we don’t know how to move forward? How do we find God, ourselves, and re-connect to others? How do we support and care for each other in life’s darkest periods?

Jesus spoke these words from Psalm 22 when he was overwhelmed by his experience of physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma. He joins us in the deepest depths so that he can raise us up to new life – a new life where the scars are still visible, but so also is renewed hope and community.

Please join us this weekend as we address the subject of “God and Trauma” – the final message in our God and Mental Health series.