Four Practical Steps for Veterans to Overcome PTSD Through Biblical Counseling

I remember when I joined the Army in 2004, PTSD was becoming a significant concern. At that time, I believed that PTSD was all in people’s heads and thought that anyone claiming to have it was either weak or lying. It wasn’t until after my tour in Iraq that I began to realize there might be some truth to the idea of PTSD. I vividly recall the nightmares, the triggers, and the intrusive thoughts that seemed to grow around me. At that point, self-medication became my last resort since I wasn’t a Christian and wanted nothing to do with God.

PTSD is classified as a mental disorder that results from experiencing severe trauma and/or life-threatening situations. Unfortunately, this classification can create the misconception that what a person is experiencing is a brain malfunction that cannot be fixed. Personally, I prefer to use the term PTS (Post-Traumatic Stress) instead. Scripture clearly shows that the issues stemming from trauma are not a disease and can be healed through renewal in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16). In fact, there are veterans worldwide who can attest to the life-changing power of Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in overcoming PTS; I am one of them.

The Bible addresses the issue of PTS by acknowledging our experiences and reinterpreting them through a biblical lens. In Romans 12:2, Paul reminds us that we must renew our minds daily. This practice is essential because we tend to live out what we believe to be true. It is in this context that PTS becomes a very real struggle for many people. In this post, I will explore four practical ways that biblical counseling can help address the issues resulting from PTS. 

Step 1: Building a Foundation

In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus tells a parable about foundations. The meaning is simple to understand, but living it out is not as easy. This highlights the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Jesus tells us that we must build our foundation upon his words; however, it involves not only knowing His words but also acting upon them. So, in step 1, when assisting a veteran, we want to establish a new foundation grounded in Christ and begin to live out that foundation. One thing I know about the military, in any branch of service, is that they fully intend to break you down from the start and rebuild you on their foundation. Therefore, expect there to be some “unlearning” required. 

How can we help build this foundation practically? We can encourage them to engage in daily Bible study, prayer, and perhaps some journaling. A Psalm a day and a prayer of gratitude at the start can be beneficial. This practice helps them reconnect with God each day, learning the true Foundation, while we accompany them as they seek to apply these principles to their lives. Active listening is crucial for identifying and addressing the false foundations established by the world and the military. We should expose those misunderstandings and replace them with the truths of God’s Word. Establishing a new identity in Christ will be key during the initial phase of helping a combat veteran. 

Step 2: Renewing Our Hearts

Connected to the first step is the second: renewing our hearts in truth. One of the biggest struggles I faced as a combat veteran was the thoughts and lies I believed about myself and the world. On one hand, we are told we are heroes defending our country, while on the other side, we are labeled as murderers and worthless. We are filled with guilt and shame because of the things we saw and did. This is where the aspect of listening becomes crucial, as we engage with the veteran and listen for these thoughts and feelings. 

But what should we do with all these thoughts and feelings? We cannot simply tell them to stop thinking that way; as helpful as we might believe that is, it is not a switch we can turn off. In Mark 7:21-23, Jesus reminds us that out of our hearts come all these evil thoughts and actions. Therefore, we must aim for the heart, renewing it in the truths of God’s Word. Only God can create within us a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 that we must renew our minds- those thoughts and feelings- if we are to taste and see what is “good and acceptable and perfect.” Memorizing scripture and regularly meeting with someone who can listen and help discern these matters will prove invaluable for this step. 

Step 3: Connect with Community

The next step in helping veterans with PTS is to connect them with a new group or community of believers. For many veterans, their old unit is all the family they feel they truly have. Unfortunately, remaining with that old “family” is a major stumbling block that prevents them from moving forward in life. Establishing a new community of support and help within a local church is a foundational step in assisting veterans. They need to understand that in Christ, they are part of a new family that provides all they need. 

The author of Hebrews warns us not to neglect meeting together and encouraging one another as the Day of the Lord draws near. Paul also reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 that God uses those individuals in this new family to help comfort us in our times of need, and we can likewise help others in their times of need. We need each other! Isolation is always an option for those struggling with PTS, and we must help them guard against that. Weekly studies, Sunday services, regular meetings with a counselor, and engaging in various discipleship groups are just some of the many ways to be involved. 

Step 4: Find a New Mission

This last step is all about finding a new mission for veterans. One thing about veterans is that they will never stop working to achieve greater things. There is always a mission going on inside our heads. But is that the mission we need to focus on? This is where some good discipleship opportunities open up. As a church, we seek to serve our communities and the people within our churches, but how can we help these veterans connect? You give them a new mission. Remind them of what they have been called to do and give them ways to serve. 

In Galatians 5:13, Paul reminds us that we have been called to something much greater than ourselves, namely, freedom, and that we should be using this newfound freedom to serve others. In 1 Peter 4:10, we likewise read that we should use our gifts to serve those around us. So connect them to a new mission where they can proudly serve alongside their new family in doing good for those around them. 

Conclusion

Whether establishing new foundations or connecting with a fresh community, Christ offers everything necessary for support and healing from PTS. If you are a veteran facing challenges, consider contacting a counselor or a church leader for assistance. Numerous Biblical organizations are dedicated to helping veterans cope with PTS. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. 

For more information, you can reach out to rdawson28@outlook.com or visit www.redeemercare.net/redeemer-borger