Living On Purpose In Christ | Journaling Prompts, Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Affirmations, God's Peace

93 | Got Past Hurts? Small Steps to Reclaim Confidence after Emotional Trauma

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Have you ever felt like emotional trauma has stolen your sense of self, leaving you questioning your worth and purpose? Whether from betrayal, loss, or the cumulative weight of everyday stresses, these wounds can silently erode your confidence and disrupt your spiritual walk.

The journey to healing doesn't mean erasing your story. Rather, it's about reclaiming the confidence God designed for you through small, manageable steps of faith. When trauma whispers lies of inadequacy, God's truth speaks louder—reminding us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, even in our brokenness. As Isaiah 41:10 promises, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Practical healing begins with simple routines that honor both your spiritual needs and emotional well-being. Start with five-minute devotionals paired with Scripture-based affirmations to counter negative thoughts. Set biblical boundaries that preserve your peace while maintaining your witness. Create space for healing by joining supportive communities where you can process your journey alongside others who understand. Remember that God meets you in your weakness, working through your healing process to equip you for every season—not after you're "fixed," but right in the midst of your healing journey.

Ready to break free from emotional trauma and step into the confidence God designed for you? Book your personalized Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour + Peace RESET at paulabehrens.com/coaching to discover a Christ-centered approach to healing that combines biblical wisdom with practical self-care. Your journey to confidence and healing begins here.

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Paula Behrens:

Are you struggling with past hurts, wondering how to finally move forward after the pain of betrayal, loss or emotional trauma? What if healing wasn't about erasing your story, but about reclaiming your confidence through small, life-giving steps of faith? Welcome to a space where faith meets real life, where we get honest about the wounds we carry and discover together how God's promises bring lasting peace. If you're ready to learn how to break free from emotional trauma, strengthen your walk with Christ and step into the confidence he designed for you, stay with me because healing begins here.

Paula Behrens:

But first funny story. When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day. I'm Paula, and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

I know you're tired. Tired of trying to keep your devotional routine that doesn't actually refresh your soul. Tired of starting over every Monday, telling yourself this week will be different. Tired of sitting with your Bible, distracted, wondering if you're even doing this right. Tired of feeling like your spiritual life is just another thing on your never-ending to-do list. Friend, I see you. I've been there too, and that's why I created the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour. You don't need to keep spinning your wheels. You need a spirit-led routine that works with your life, not against it. Let's renew your quiet time with God. Book your personalized session today at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/c oaching (no spaces). It's time to stop just surviving and to start thriving in your faith.

Paula Behrens:

All right, let's get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in. Have you ever felt like emotional trauma has stolen your sense of self, leaving you questioning who you are and how to move forward? You might be carrying the weight of past hurts, perhaps from loss, betrayal or even everyday stresses that have piled up while trying to juggle family life, spiritual routines and a quiet longing for inner peace. Today, we're diving into how to reclaim that confidence, one small step at a time, by weaving together biblical wisdom, self-care practices and the gentle art of giving yourself room to breathe. Here's the thing emotional trauma can feel like an uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, whispering doubts and fears that can erode your confidence from the inside out. It might stem from a certain event, like a family crisis or a personal loss, or it could build up from ongoing challenges, such as navigating a marriage where faith isn't shared or managing the chaos of a busy life.

Paula Behrens:

For many Christian women t his small "t" trauma doesn't just affect your daily life, It seeps into your spiritual walk, making it hard to connect with God consistently or feel his peace when you need it the most. Imagine feeling a heaviness in your chest, wondering if you'll ever feel strong again. This is not really uncommon for those who find themselves tangled in emotional overwhelm, and even though the Bible reminds us in Psalm 34, verse 18, that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, in the midst of trauma, it's easy to forget that promise. Trauma, even small "t" trauma, can disrupt your sense of security, causing you to second guess your decisions, your worth and even your ability to be a light for Christ in your family. But here's the good news, r eclaiming confidence isn't about erasing the past, i t's about rebuilding on a foundation of faith and self-care, one manageable step at a time.

Paula Behrens:

Let's take a look at the hidden impact of trauma. When emotional trauma takes hold, it doesn't just stop at your emotions. It ripples into every area of your life. You might notice it in the way you hesitate to be still and listen for God's guidance, fearing that the quiet moments will flood you with unwelcome memories. Or perhaps it's in the mindset that keeps you from teaching your children about the Christian faith, leaving you in a space of spiritual isolation, especially if you're feeling alone in your faith journey.

Paula Behrens:

These are real struggles and they can make you feel like you may not measure up to the person God created you to be. But take heart, sister. You are never alone in your struggles. The Bible reminds us in Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10, Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God and I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Even when trauma whispers lies of inadequacy and isolation, God's truth is louder and more powerful. In 2 Corinthians 1, verse 4, we're told that God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

Paula Behrens:

But first we have to address the toll these trials can take on our confidence. Trauma often leads to self-doubt, where you might think I'm not up to this, or how can I lead my family in faith when I feel so broken myself? This is where small steps add up. By acknowledging the impact, you're already taking the first step toward healing. It's about recognizing that trauma doesn't define you. It's just a chapter in your story and, with God's help, you can turn the page.

Paula Behrens:

In my years as a pastor and coach, I've seen how emotional trauma can create barriers to spiritual growth. For example, if you're a busy mom trying to fit Bible reading into your day, trauma might make those moments feel overwhelming instead of restorative. The key lies in approaching it with grace, holding onto the truth that God meets us in our moments of weakness. Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 31, beautifully reminds us, Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. To reclaim our confidence, we must lean into that hope, even when it seems beyond our grasp. Now that we've named the challenge, let's talk about practical ways to move forward.

Paula Behrens:

Reclaiming confidence after emotional trauma isn't about overnight miracles. It's about creating sustainable rhythms that are going to nurture your soul. Start by incorporating simple self-care practices that align with your faith. For example, begin with early morning journaling prompts tied to scripture. This could be as straightforward as writing down one Bible verse for moms with small kids, like Philippians, chapter 4, verse 13 which says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and then reflecting on how that verse applies to your day. Another effective strategy is to build a routine that combines emotional balance with spiritual connection. Set aside just five minutes a day for devotionals, perhaps using affirmations rooted in God's word, such as, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, from Psalm, chapter 139, verse 14.

Paula Behrens:

Embracing a few simple steps will not only help with stress relief, but also reinforce your identity in Christ, countering the lies trauma might have tried to plant in your heart. Remember, small steps add up and you don't have to overhaul your entire life at once. Make it doable today by pairing these steps with a quick walk or a cup of tea, turning them into moments of peace amid the busyness. Additionally, addressing emotional pain by setting biblical boundaries is essential, particularly if you and your husband are not aligned when it comes to faith. Share your understanding of God's love with gentle conversations, drawing inspiration from passages like 1 Peter 3:15, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. And remember it says "to everyone who asks." So only respond when others express interest. This method focuses on preserving your peace and allows you to be a more impactful witness for Christ. Over time, these boundaries will help you regain control, fostering a sense of confidence that will naturally radiate into your family life.

Paula Behrens:

As you work on reclaiming confidence, weaving in spiritual routines can be a game changer. For women striving to learn more about Christianity or how to teach their kids about faith, trauma many times makes these efforts feel daunting, but here's where consistency becomes your ally. Create a simple devotional plan that fits into your busy schedule, perhaps using journaling prompts focused on biblical encouragement or God's peace. This could look like ending your day with a short prayer and reflection on a verse like Matthew 11, verse 28. These routines aren't just about reading the Bible. They're about creating space to process your emotions and connect with God. If you're feeling spiritually alone, consider joining an online community or Bible study group for busy women. This can provide the support you need while helping you cultivate a Bible-centered mindset. A nd always give yourself room to breathe. It's okay if some days are not as successful as others. The goal is progress, not perfection, and as you build these habits, you'll find your confidence growing alongside your faith.

Paula Behrens:

One of the biggest hurdles in reclaiming confidence is the fear that the trauma will always hold you back. You might worry about how to witness for Christ with your family when you're still going through the healing process yourself, but remember God equips us for every season. To make this practical, try incorporating daily affirmations that tie back to Scripture. For example, repeat I am strong in Christ, while reflecting on Ephesians 6, verse 10. These small, intentional actions build resilience, helping you balance work, family and faith. Over time, you'll notice a shift, a deeper sense of empowerment and the ability to handle life's ups and downs with more grace.

Paula Behrens:

Before we close, I want to take a few moments to pray with you, because healing from trauma is not something we do on our own. It's a work God does within us as we surrender to him. So take a deep breath, quiet your heart and let's go before the Lord together.

Paula Behrens:

Heavenly Father, we come to you with open hearts, carrying the weight of hurts that sometimes feel too heavy to bear. Lord, you see every tear, every hidden scar and every memory that still lingers. We thank you that your words tell us you are close to the brokenhearted and that you save those who are crushed in spirit.

Paula Behrens:

Today I lift up my sisters who are listening, those who long to feel whole again, who long to walk in confidence and peace. Father, would you touch the places that still ache, would you remind them of their worth in Christ and that they are fearfully and wonderfully made? Wash away the lies of trauma and replace them with your Truth. Surround them with your Peace that passes all understanding. Give them courage to set healthy boundaries, strength to take small steps of faith and hope to believe that their future is secure in you. Lord, may their hearts find rest in you, their Healer and Redeemer. We pray this in your precious and Holy name. Amen.

Paula Behrens:

Remember this, it's God's will for us to come to him for healing. Here's the beauty of it. He never leaves us to face our challenges alone. Instead, he provides gentle tools to guide our healing journey. In his infinite wisdom, God designed the healing aromas of his creation to uplift us and draw us closer to his Peace, even in our deepest struggles. During the Peace RESET in the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour, we incorporate these natural aromas into a simple sacred practice that will help you let go of deep-seated emotional burdens, leaving a place in your heart for prayerful reflection and renewal. This is what makes the Aroma of Christ coaching experience unique. By blending timeless biblical truths with holistic elements, we create a Christ-centered journey that empowers you to breathe through your pain and step into a place of confidence and purpose.

Paula Behrens:

When you're ready to go a little deeper in your plan for healing, I'd love to be your guide. In a personalized coaching session, we'll work together to gently release the negative charge of trauma you've experienced and create a step-by-step devotional rhythm tailored specifically for your life. This is a sacred space designed for women just like you, helping you discover the balance your heart has been longing for. Don't delay. Save your seat now for an Aroma of Christ coaching hour, while the BONUS Peace RESET is still on the table. Go right now to paulabehrens. com/ coaching and secure your spot, that's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). See you there.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review. Just a quick review will be so helpful in getting the word out to other women just like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.