The Trauma of Daniel

Daniel experienced deep trauma. Though traumatized, he refused to see himself as a victim. He was a teen when he saw loved ones killed and his city ravaged by cruel soldiers. He and his friends were torn from their families and taken into captivity to Babylon.

As slaves of the King, they were castrated.

Imagine Daniel’s pain and grief.

All his hopes and dreams were destroyed. He faced an incredibly lonely future, for he could never marry or have children.

Can you imagine Daniel’s pain, his confusion? He must have grappled with many questions – for he and his family were observant Jews who loved God and grieved over the idolatry of their nation.

Daniel is my hero. Despite suffering great trauma, he stood courageously in the face of oppression, refusing to passively submit to his fate.

I used to wonder what made the difference between him and me. One day I realized. Oh! Daniel knew who he was; he clung to his identity as a child of the Most High God and respected himself. When uncovered by evil men, he hid beneath the shelter of the Almighty and trusted God to give him the strength to make wise choices.

Today, you and I face loneliness and loss. Many of us love the Lord and experience deep grief as evil thrives. Trauma has become the norm, with no resolution for worldwide disasters and illnesses. In the midst of the confusion, we rightfully have questions.

I’ve learned bullies love to torment those with a victim identity. Sadly, unresolved trauma and abuse make us believe we are victims. Bullies tried to intimidate Daniel, but he was fearless in the face of their assaults. Why? Because he personally knew his God and he knew his value; he did not need the approval of man to survive or to be okay.

As I think about Daniel, I am reminded God, in His great mercy, allowed hurtful things to happen to draw me closer to Himself. Through suffering, I have experienced His love and learned my true identity. I am the child of the Most High God. Because Jesus lives, trauma doesn’t define me or have the final word.

If you could sit and chat with Daniel, he would say,

“You are not a victim! Do not allow the enemy of your soul to tell you life is hopeless or you have no choices. Even if you are raped or suffer domestic violence – you have value; there is hope for you were created to be an overcomer. When loneliness seems to smother you, remind yourself, ‘The Lord loves me. I am not alone.’ Then run and hide under the shadow of His wing. Tell Him all about your sorrows, your loneliness, your fear, and your anger. He cares for you!”

Dear Heart, if Jesus is your LORD, you are no longer a victim. God has given you a new life, a new identity, and a new beginning. Jesus has set you free, but like Israel, you will have to learn to walk out of bondage into the light.

Your true identity is the child of the Most High God! Your brain daily needs to hear you speak the truth out loud; otherwise, hidden lies drown out the truth so it cannot become your reality.

Today, no matter your situation, know Jesus loves you.

• You have great value.
• God has made you more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
• Like Daniel – reject anything that moves you into negativity and quenches the Holy Spirit.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to tell you the truth – even if it hurts.
• Speak the truth.
• Sing the truth.
• Pray words of truth.
• Celebrate the truth.
• Live the truth.

If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or depression, please contact a trusted individual or send me a message. Please, don’t walk in fear and isolation. You are valuable. There is hope!