The Shepherd Who Seeks the Lost: Finding Hope in PTSD Recovery
"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home." — Luke 15:4-6
The Struggle is Real
If you’ve served in the military, you know what it means to fight. You’ve faced challenges most people never will. But some battles don’t end when you leave the battlefield. PTSD can make you feel lost, isolated, and beyond help.
You might think no one understands. Maybe you believe you’ve gone too far, that God has given up on you. But He hasn’t. Just like the shepherd in Jesus' parable, God searches for you, even in your darkest moments.
God's Relentless Pursuit
He doesn’t wait for you to come back – He comes after you. God doesn’t stand at a distance, waiting for you to figure things out. He actively seeks you.
He knows your pain – Jesus Himself suffered, felt abandoned, and carried deep wounds. He understands your struggle.
He lifts you up – The shepherd in the parable didn’t just find the lost sheep; he carried it home. God does the same for you when you’re too weary to walk.
What This Means for You
If you’re struggling with PTSD, here’s what you need to know:
You are not alone. No matter how isolated you feel, God is with you.
Your pain doesn’t push God away. It draws Him closer.
There is hope for healing. PTSD doesn’t define you. God’s love does.
Taking Steps Toward Healing
Recovery isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are a few things to consider:
Talk to someone. A chaplain, pastor, or fellow veteran can walk with you.
Seek professional help. Therapy and counseling can be part of God’s plan for your healing.
Pray, even when you don’t feel like it. God hears you, even in silence.
Stay connected. Isolation fuels the struggle. Find a support group, church, or community.
Final Thought
If you feel lost, remember this: God sees you. He is not waiting for you to fix yourself before He loves you. He is already searching, ready to carry you home. Will you let Him?
If this resonates with you, reach out. You are not forgotten.
