In my work, I talk with veterans dealing with PTSD or Moral Injury. I also have conversations with families ministering to a loved one with some issue from wartime, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. As many of you know, these stories are quite sad, the effects of war are dramatic, and it causes such tension in the family. My heart and prayers go out to all of you struggling with these challenges as you read these words.
Many people dealing with memories and/or life changing issues from war are brokenhearted or crushed in spirit. Considering what they saw, what they experienced, it is easy to understand why this reality exists. At times I, like all of us, am brokenhearted or crushed in spirit, and it gives me great comfort when people are near me, supporting me, or praying for me. But eventually those people who are near me have to go do other things, or move on from praying to the other necessities of daily life. However, I take great heart in knowing that while people can’t be near me all the time, the Lord is. It is so comforting to know that the Lord is near those struggling with PTSD, those dealing with physical challenges after war, and families that are struggling through war’s effects. And unlike people, the Lord is with us twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. All we have to do is turn to him in prayer and in awareness.