Gazing into my baby’s eyes, I experienced the profound nature of unconditional love for the first time—a love so distinct, so profound, that it eclipsed anything else I’d felt before, even the love for my husband. At that moment, a deep realization washed over me: my paramount duty was not just to shield him from the harshness of the world but, crucially, from the trauma within myself. This realization ignited a commitment to pursue healing with fervor, understanding that I must first confront and mend the broken parts of myself to offer him the best of me.

My upbringing was marred by dysfunction—substance abuse and mental, physical, and emotional torment. This toxic environment led me, at thirty-one, to stand over my beautiful son—with a heart heavy from self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a crippling fear of motherhood’s failures. The specter of repeating the cycle, of mirroring the fractured relationship I had with my mother and imparting the same legacy to my son, became my waking nightmare, eliciting me to break free from the chains that bound me to my past.

Recognizing the pattern of familial abuse and dysfunction that traced back generations—from my relationship with my mother, which mirrored her tumultuous relationship with my grandmother, and all the way back to the abusive dynamic between my grandmother and my great-grandmother, I came to a profound realization. This cycle needed to end with me. This awakening marked the beginning of a challenging yet necessary journey towards healing.

I was determined to heal myself, not only for my own sake but to ensure my son wouldn’t have to spend his adult years recovering from the traumas of his childhood. The path was fraught with obstacles; overcoming the spiritual strongholds that bind such cycles of abuse was a herculean task, particularly for someone without any positive models of familial relationships.

At the birth of my first son, my relationship with faith was nonexistent—I knew of Jesus, but not in a way that touched my daily life or provided solace in my struggles. It was only later that I truly discovered the depth of His love and the reality of His desire for my well-being, a realization that profoundly shifted my understanding of faith and healing.

The scriptures became a beacon of hope, particularly the promise in John 10:10 that Christ came so we might have life and have it abundantly. This newfound faith was not just a comfort; it became the foundation upon which I built my efforts to break the cycle of generational trauma and step into a future filled with hope and healing for myself and my son.

Three Strategies to Healing from Past Trauma

Hope has been a guiding light in my life, leading me through the darkness of pain and hurt toward healing and forgiveness. Despite the emotional turmoil, I found the strength to forgive my mother and now dedicate my mornings to praying for her deliverance and salvation. The path to reconciliation and becoming the best mother I could be for my children was not straightforward, but I discovered three key strategies that guided me.

First, realize experiences are a testament to divine grace and mercy, a reflection of the belief that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). My past struggles became the foundation upon which I could fulfill my newfound purpose, coaching Christian women to shift their mindsets and overcome past traumas.

Second, we must practice the Christian principle of humility and acceptance, recognizing that we must accept others as they are, with the same love Jesus shows us, despite our flaws and limitations (Ephesians 4:2-3). It is a lesson in seeing beyond our expectations of others and acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses alike. I learned to view the world through my mother’s perspective, understanding that her inability to provide love and support was a result of her own unresolved traumas—sexual, mental, and physical abuse that she endured and never healed from.

Third, let the word of God become our refuge, a source of strength and healing. I immersed myself in scripture, personalizing passages and praying them over myself, finding solace in Psalms that spoke to healing and recovery. This spiritual practice was instrumental in mending the broken pieces of my heart and empowering me to offer the same hope and healing to others.

Through these strategies, I transcended my past and equipped myself to be the supportive and understanding mother my children needed, embodying the resilience and compassion that define my journey towards healing.

Psalms to Help with Healing and Hope

My journey towards healing and forgiveness began upon hearing a pastor mention that our spirit is rejuvenated through the words about Jesus Christ (Romans 10:17). This inspired me to dedicate time each morning to reading the Bible. I’d set aside an hour, immersing myself in the scriptures with a notepad close at hand, noting down insights revealed to me by the Holy Spirit.

The Psalms, with their intricate verses, particularly resonated with me. As a poet myself, I was captivated by their beauty and depth, and I found in them the strength I needed to confront and heal from my childhood trauma. This wasn’t just for my sake but for my beloved son, entrusted to me by the Lord.

While dealing with my mother’s abuse was challenging as her daughter, grappling with its implications became even more critical as a mother. The thought of my trauma affecting my child was a powerful motivator for change.

If you’re struggling with similar issues, consider the impact on the next generation. Our children often mirror our experiences and behaviors. Healing from your past not only liberates you but also safeguards your children from repeating the same patterns.

Here are my top five passages from the Book of Psalms for healing from childhood trauma. I pray that they help you as much as they helped me.

Psalm 34:18 (New International Version)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This verse serves as a gentle reminder that, in moments of deep emotional pain from childhood trauma, we are not alone. It assures that God’s presence is nearest when the heart feels most broken, offering comfort and hope for healing.

Psalm 147:3 (New International Version)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

This passage speaks directly to the healing power of God. It is a promise that not only does God recognize the hurt and brokenness we have experienced but He is actively involved in the healing process, mending the wounds of our past.

Psalm 73:26 (New International Version)

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Often, the journey to healing from childhood trauma can be exhausting and overwhelming. This scripture is a powerful reminder that even when we feel our strength waning, God provides the enduring strength and support needed to continue.

Psalm 23:3 (New International Version)

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Beyond physical and emotional healing, this verse speaks to the restoration of the soul. It offers hope that, through the healing process, not only can we find relief from the pains of the past, but also a deeper sense of spiritual renewal and direction.

Psalm 30:5 (New International Version)

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

This scripture captures the transient nature of suffering and the enduring promise of joy that follows. It encourages the belief that the pain of trauma, though deeply felt, is temporary and that a brighter, joy-filled future lies ahead. It reinforces the importance of hope and perseverance in our healing journey.

My darling Sister in Christ, I know the pain is deep, and it feels like you will never be whole. Take your time and give yourself the space and grace to heal. Jesus will be with you every step of the way. 

Short Daily Devotions from the Psalms

Guest Author Bio

Kasey Marie is a personal development coach and author who helps Christian women change their mindset about what’s possible. You can read more from her on her blog, For Imperfect Women.