It happened at a church workday. Not the kind of place you’d expect trauma to occur. However, six years after almost drowning in Summit’s brand-new wet driveway, Ruffles, our little dog, will not step onto our newly poured, but dry front doorstep.

For Peter, it was the day he denied Jesus as the Son of God. His denial took place mere feet from where Jesus was being sentenced to die. In his mind, Peter knew his own life lay in the balance. It was either deny Jesus and die a spiritual death – or acknowledge his relationship to Christ and die an excruciating physical death.

Many years later Peter explains what happened and how to heal from trauma.

Step one is HUMILITY. Peter wept bitterly after denying Jesus as Lord (Lk.22:62). 1 Peter 5:5–6 (ESV) … Clothe yourselves … with humility … for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Step two is to give Jesus your ANXIETY and accept His CARE while RESISTING the urge to return to the old familiar but inhibiting thoughts. 1 Peter 5:7–9 (ESV) casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, ….

And, finally, let the GRACE of Jesus RESTORE you. 1 Peter 5:10–11 (ESV) And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you….

Father God, we humbly cast all our anxieties on you. Please heal our deep hurts of the past by placing us on Jesus’ Firm Foundation. Amen.