Dr. Jonathan Behler • September 17, 2025

How Biblical Counseling Supports Recovery from Trauma

Trauma leaves deep marks on the human heart. It can come from abuse, sudden loss, betrayal, or years of living in fear. Many who carry these wounds struggle not only with painful memories but also with questions about identity, safety, and even God’s presence in their suffering. While professional tools from psychology are valuable, biblical counseling offers a unique and deeply restorative pathway—one that points individuals to the hope and healing found in Christ.


Recognizing the Reality of Trauma

The Bible does not minimize suffering. The psalmist cries, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1, ESV). Scripture acknowledges grief, pain, and injustice. This honesty is a foundation for healing; biblical counseling invites people to bring their full story into the light without shame. Rather than dismissing trauma as weakness, it provides a safe space to lament and to be heard.


The Healing Power of God’s Word

Trauma often distorts how we see ourselves and the world. Survivors may feel broken beyond repair. Yet God speaks a different word: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). In counseling, Scripture is not used as a quick fix or platitude, but as a living word that reorients identity. Clients are reminded that they are created in God’s image, deeply loved, and never beyond His reach. Truth replaces lies, and hope begins to take root again.


Christ as the Anchor of Hope

At the center of biblical counseling is the person of Jesus Christ. Trauma can leave individuals feeling powerless, but the gospel proclaims a Savior who entered into suffering. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4). In Christ, survivors discover a companion who understands pain and offers redemption. Counseling becomes not only a journey of coping but of drawing near to the One who makes all things new (Revelation 21:5).


Community and the Body of Christ

Healing from trauma is rarely done in isolation. God designed us for community. Paul exhorts believers to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Biblical counseling often encourages integration into healthy church fellowship, where encouragement, prayer, and accountability are present. In such a community, shame is dismantled, and trust is slowly rebuilt.


Moving Toward Restoration

Recovery is not about erasing the past but about learning to live in freedom despite it. Biblical counseling helps individuals process their experiences, develop healthier patterns of thought, and rest in God’s promises. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” As God’s truth reshapes the inner life, survivors gain resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.


Conclusion

Trauma does not have the final word. God does. Through the compassionate guidance of biblical counseling, survivors can move from despair to hope, from isolation to community, and from brokenness to healing. It is a process marked by patience, grace, and faith, but one that ultimately points to the redeeming love of Christ.

If you or someone you know is navigating the painful aftermath of trauma, take courage in this promise:


“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… when you walk through fire you shall not be burned” (Isaiah 43:2). The Lord is faithful to walk alongside His children and to bring beauty from ashes.


Remember, God can take your mess and turn it into a message for His glory and your good!

When Life Feels Heavy, Christian Counseling Can Help!

By Jonathan Behler • October 11, 2025
When Life Feels Heavy: Christian Counseling Can Help Have you ever had one of those seasons where life just feels… too much? Maybe you’re carrying worries that keep you up at night. Maybe your marriage feels strained, or grief has left you feeling hollow. Or maybe you’re just plain tired—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. If that’s you, first let me say: you’re not alone. Every one of us faces times when we need someone to walk alongside us. And that’s where Christian counseling can make such a difference. A Safe Place to Be Real Christian counseling isn’t about being “perfect” or pretending everything is fine. It’s a place where you can be honest about your struggles—doubts, fears, questions, even anger at God. Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is admit, “I don’t have it all together.” The good news? God already knows. Psalm 34:18 reminds us: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Counseling simply creates a safe space for you to process that truth in real, practical ways. Faith and Practical Tools—Together One of the unique things about Christian counseling is that it weaves together two powerful supports: biblical wisdom and professional strategies. That means prayer and Scripture are welcomed, but so are healthy coping tools like boundary-setting, communication skills, and anxiety-reduction techniques. It’s not just about talking—it’s about growing. And growth means learning how to see yourself the way God sees you: valued, loved, and never beyond His reach. Why People Seek Christian Counseling Anxiety and Feeling Overwhelmed – Learning to anchor your peace in God’s promises. Depression and Hopelessness – Finding light when it feels like darkness surrounds you. Relationships and Marriage – Restoring connection with grace, forgiveness, and healthy habits. Grief and Loss – Walking through sorrow with hope in Christ’s comfort. Purpose and Identity – Rediscovering your worth as a child of God. Taking the First Step If you’ve been thinking about counseling but feel nervous, know this: reaching out is not weakness—it’s courage. It’s choosing to invite healing, with God’s help, into your story. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us to bring everything—every worry, every fear—before God in prayer, trusting Him to provide peace that “surpasses all understanding.” Counseling can help you take that truth off the page and live it out in daily life. So, if life feels heavy, maybe it’s time to take a step. Christian counseling isn’t about fixing you (because you’re not “broken” beyond repair). It’s about walking with you, pointing you back to Jesus, and helping you move toward hope and wholeness. And remember, God can take your mess and turn it into a message for His glory and your good.

Hope in Troubled Times

By Jonathan Behler • September 20, 2025
Faith in a Troubled World: Where Do We Turn? Every day, the headlines remind us that we live in a world marked by brokenness. Reports of violence, division, and hostility seem to increase, and with each passing week, it becomes clearer that peace cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. Political leaders clash, social tensions rise, and voices of faith are often targeted in a culture that resists truth. In moments like these, we are confronted with an uncomfortable but essential reality: life is fragile, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. James 4:14 says plainly, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” The Christian Response in Times of Uncertainty When news of tragedy or hostility reaches us, it is tempting to let fear or anger dominate our hearts. Yet as Christians, our calling is different. Jesus warned His disciples that the world would bring trials and persecution (John 16:33). But He did not leave them without hope. He declared, “Take heart; I have overcome the world.” This victory is not theoretical. It is the truth that anchors our faith. No matter how chaotic the world may seem, Christ’s reign is secure. He is not shaken by violence, political turmoil, or cultural hostility. His Kingdom is eternal. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Our response, then, must not be retaliation or despair, but faith, prayer, and perseverance in righteousness. Why Hope Matters Hope is not wishful thinking. It is confidence rooted in God’s promises. The Psalms declare, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). When society shakes, when leaders fall, when injustice rises, Christians cling to the One who is unshakable. Hope in Christ reminds us that death does not have the final word. Violence cannot silence the Gospel, and fear cannot erase God’s sovereignty. A Word of Urgency Events in the news should stir us to reflection: Where do we stand with God? If tomorrow is not guaranteed, are we ready to meet Him today? The Bible is clear—every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). The consequence of sin is separation from God, both now and for eternity (Romans 6:23). But the good news is this: God has made a way for us through Jesus Christ. “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus took the punishment for our sin, and by His resurrection, He conquered death. Through Him, we can be forgiven, restored, and given the gift of eternal life. How to Respond The question isn’t simply how we view the news or process cultural unrest. The greater question is: Have you personally accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? Romans 10:9 promises, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This is not about religion, ritual, or politics. It is about a relationship with the living God. Salvation is a gift—one you can receive today. A Call to Salvation If you sense the Lord drawing you, you can pray a simple prayer like this- or any prayer such as this! “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner in need of Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. Today I turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as Savior and Lord. I trust You with my life and my eternity. Thank You for saving me. Amen.” If you prayed that prayer sincerely, Scripture assures you that you are now a child of God. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Living with Eternal Perspective In a world where the news often brings sorrow, Christians live with a different perspective. We grieve over sin and violence, but we do not lose hope. We recognize that God’s plan is unfolding, and our mission is to live faithfully, share His truth, and shine His light in the darkness. May we each be encouraged to walk in integrity, speak truth boldly, and extend grace freely. Most of all, may we cling to the eternal hope we have in Christ Jesus—the hope that no headline can erase. Remember, God can take a mess and turn it into a message, for His glory and your good. The time to decide is now. Place your trust in Jesus, and discover the peace, forgiveness, and eternal life that only He can give.