Breaking Free from Trauma
Learning to Trust God When Control Feels Safer
If trauma’s been part of your story, chances are you’ve mastered the art of control. You keep things tight, predictable, and safe—because when life’s hurt you without warning, letting go doesn’t feel peaceful... it feels terrifying.
But what if control isn’t keeping you safe—it’s just keeping you stuck?
Why Does Control Feel Safer Than Trust? 🤔
Let’s be honest:
Most of us trust God on paper... but still try to run everything ourselves IRL.
And it’s not because we’re rebellious—it’s because we’ve been hurt.
For trauma survivors, control isn’t about being a control freak. It’s about survival.
You learned:
“If I’m in charge, I won’t get blindsided again.”
But here’s the catch—you can’t heal and stay in control at the same time.
You can’t follow Jesus and still try to steer everything.
What Has Control Actually Given You? 🧠💢
Real talk:
Control usually gives you...
✖️ More anxiety
✖️ Constant overthinking
✖️ Zero rest
✖️ A heavy mental load you were never built to carry
Control feels safe, but it’s actually just another version of survival mode.
God never asked you to be your own bodyguard.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
You’re not the protector. God is.
What Fear Is Hiding Under the Control?
Underneath every “I’ve got this” is usually an “I’m scared to let go.”
Let’s call it out:
Fear of being blindsided again
Fear of being abandoned
Fear that you’ll fall apart if you stop holding it together
Fear of being let down by people—or even by God
But God says in 2 Timothy 1:7:
"I didn’t give you fear. I gave you power, love, and a sound mind."
So if fear’s been your GPS, you’ve got the wrong app open.
How Do You Actually Move From Control to Trust? 🛑➡️🙌
If you’ve been in survival mode for years, “letting go” doesn’t feel like peace—it feels like danger.
Being held sounds cute... but unfamiliar.
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you." – Isaiah 41:10
That’s not just a coffee mug verse. That’s a promise.
God is literally saying:
“You don’t have to carry this alone.”
“I’m holding you while you figure it out.”
“I won’t drop what you give Me. And I won’t drop you.”
You don’t need to fake full trust. You just need to give Him permission to start peeling the layers. Even if it's messy. Even if you're scared.
✨ Life Application: Let Go... Just a Little
Here’s your challenge this week:
Pick one thing—not everything.
One fear. One situation. One place you’re gripping for dear life.
And pray:
“God, I’m not sure how to let go yet... but I want to try. Can You hold this with me?”
Ask Yourself:
What am I carrying that God never told me to?
What fear is driving this need to control?
What would happen if I let God handle the outcome?
What area feels the hardest to surrender—and why?
Take a breath. Open your hands. Even slightly. That’s all He needs.
Final Word 💬
You’re not failing if you’re struggling to trust.
You’re just learning how to stop surviving and start being held.
Jesus isn’t waiting for you to clean up your mess—He wants to sit in it with you.
He’s not asking you to “just let go.”
He’s saying:
“I’ll be right here while you learn how.”
You don’t have to be your own protector anymore.
You don’t have to carry it all.
You just have to stop doing it alone.
(New Living Translation Bible, 1996)
(New King James Version, 1975)