Week of November 16, 2025
Trauma is real, and it causes significant pain. No one will avoid traumatic experiences in their life. It is part of living in a broken and sinful world. The question becomes, “How will we respond to traumatic experiences?” David and other Psalm writers model a practice of reaching out to God in our distress and trusting that He will help us cope in healthy ways.
Monday | Psalm 4 & Psalm 6:1-3
David is open with God about his emotions. He even pleads, “How long…?” Are you comfortable unloading your negative feelings to God? Do you believe He listens and responds to your prayers? How might verse 4:8 be a helpful model for your prayers in times of distress?
Tuesday | Psalm 5:1-3 & Psalm 34
How might 5:3 be a model for your morning prayers, especially in difficult times? How have you found that waiting and watching for the Lord to respond has been a helpful posture? David recognizes that even God’s people will suffer affliction, yet God is near to save us from broken hearts and crushed Spirits. How can these two truths help you cope with times of trauma?
Wednesday | Psalm 42
The Psalm writer reframes his distress by remembering how God has been present in his life in the past. What happens to your heart when you take time to remember how God has been there for you in the past? What changes take place within you when you choose to praise God in the midst of traumatic events? How can you choose to reframe your problems by focusing on God’s goodness?
Thursday | Isaiah 43:1-2 & 2 Corinthians 4:6-12
David surely knew this promise of God in Isaiah as He dealt with traumatic situations in his life. How can it help you when you are feeling overwhelmed with pain, fear, or sadness? The Apostle Paul also faced many traumatic moments in his ministry. How does his response bring hope to you?
Friday | Matthew 25:31-40
In this passage, Jesus reminds us that we have opportunities to serve others who are dealing with traumatic situations. How has God used in this way to show himself and his love to you? How might you be able to share the comfort and hope from the previous passages with someone else who is suffering distress?
