It Does Get Better
PTSD Series
“The experience can truly be described as a "dark night of the soul," a time of spiritual and existential desperation where there doesn't seem to be any end in sight…”
Explanation:
As we all know, Job’s story is one of miserable affliction. His situation is so dire that he feels only dejection, so much so that he finds no solace or happiness in life. Even the light of the sun makes his sorrows increase as he knows he cannot actually enjoy it. The only release from anguish appears to be the grave. He acknowledges that his way is "hidden," or, that he cannot discern the purpose in things. In his state of mind, all things are turned upside down. Light and life - both things that emanate from God himself, have only served to increase despair. Being "hedged in" is his way of describing feeling trapped. No matter what he does, it seems he will regret it. The Hebrew word for "groaning" here denotes the shrieks of those in slavery or who have suffered immeasurable tragedy. Every step he takes in life is clouded with a sense of dread, like something bad is going to happen to him at any moment. Finally, Job relates to all PTSD sufferers here when he says "I am not at ease…I have no rest." This is a monumental section of Job's story, as even his friends struggle to understand him and suspect he is losing faith in God himself. But Job does not curse God. He will survive this dark hour of the soul, and he will flourish in his presence.¹
Connection:
When it comes to mental health and relationship issues, it is difficult to imagine a more prominent topic than Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Known to us as PTSD, this is an affliction that is suffered by veterans of war, victims of sexual assault, and other victims of traumatic experience. It is characterized by a reliving and recollection of the traumatic experience through flashbacks and dreams. It also can express itself in certain social situations such as avoidance of commonly enjoyed activities and an overall sense of emotional numbness. It can also lead to increased irritability and loss of sleep or appetite. It can become so severe that it completely consumes a person's life, driving them into deep depression, and tragically, even suicide.²
PTSD can absolutely devastate a person's ability to function in their everyday life. By extension, this can have a deep impact on marriages, families, friendships, and other kinds of relationships. Moreover, men and women who have had a traumatic experience often struggle with other kinds of addictions and anxiety disorders. The experience can truly be described as a "dark night of the soul," a time of spiritual and existential desperation where there doesn't seem to be any end in sight. What has to be understood is that this is a normal human reaction to traumatic experience. The horror of warfare and the emotional destruction of abuse or assault leaves a deep imprint on our nature. This can prompt us into a deep sense of spiritual reflection, a reflection in which we find our subject, Job, wrestling. For him, he wonders if it would not be better to simply die to escape the affliction he is experiencing. His questions haunt him to the point of being unable to sleep (v. 26). The questions of why God permits us to experience the unfathomable is a serious question and cannot not be overlooked. It must be confronted head-on. And while we may not have the answer to every riddle of God, we do know that our God chose to forsake his privileged position in heaven, to stoop down into our existence. On the cross, he bore the terror of warfare, the deceit of betrayal, the scorn of abuse, and the shame of a world gone awry. He did so in order that through our affliction, we might find communion with him, for he is able to sympathize with us as he lived our existence (Heb 4:15). As Paul says, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself (2 Cor. 5:19). And even while things seem hopeless for a time, there is always light in the darkness, a light that casts out all fear. He invites us all into this light, where he will wipe away all tears, and make all things new.
Action:
1. Come to Terms -
Often, we think that acknowledging our struggles with trauma marks us as being "weak" or "unstable." In reality, it is this kind of thinking that is unrealistic and unfair. Trauma is a very real thing and it takes a lot of courage to confront its destruction. It can help to identify the feelings you are experiencing. Find a trusted friend or confidante who can stand with you or just simply listen to you talk about the things you are going through. Sometimes, simply, having companionship can help us to see things in perspective (Prov. 18:24).
2. Keep a Journal -
Many who have found it difficult to speak have found other outlets for expressing what they are enduring. One helpful method is to journal your thoughts and experiences on your path back to peace. Having something to be able to go back and revisit helps you to see the mile-markers on your journey and can give you the confidence you need to face each day, knowing that things really do progress and things can get better. See for example Isaiah 30:8.
3. Seek Professional Counseling -
We now know that there are emotional and mental roadblocks we erect for ourselves to shield us from painful memories and protect us from their affliction. Visiting a trained counselor can help to equip us with the necessary tools to be able to scale or maneuver around these walls safely and responsibly.
¹Hartley, John E. The Book of Job. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2007, 121.
²“Symptoms of PTSD.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, n.d. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms.