Psalm: Trauma, Flight, Freeze Response After a Traumatic Event
Finding Peace When Your Body Feels in Panic Mode
Have you ever noticed your heart racing, palms sweating, or your breath getting short—even when you’re not in danger? This could be your body’s flight response kicking in. Maybe it’s after a challenging conversation, a stressful morning with the kids, or reading another piece of bad news. That rush of panic has a name: the fight-flight-freeze response.
Understanding the Fight-Flight-Freeze Response Through a Faith Lens
God designed this reaction as part of our body’s natural protection system. It’s how our ancestors survived real threats, but today, it can be triggered by modern-day stressors like bills, work deadlines, or family conflict, leading to a fight or flight response.
When the brain senses a threat, it signals the body to release adrenaline and cortisol, activating the sympathetic nervous system. Your heart beats faster, blood rushes to your muscles, your breathing quickens—all preparing you to fight, run, or freeze. It’s not “just in your head.” It’s your whole body trying to protect you from a traumatic event.
At the center of this response is a small, almond-shaped part of the brain called the amygdala—the body’s built-in alarm system. God created the amygdala to detect danger and protect us by activating the fight, flight, or freeze response when it senses threat. But sometimes, especially after trauma or prolonged stress, the amygdala becomes overly sensitive and sounds the alarm even when we’re safe. This is why certain sounds, memories, or situations can suddenly make your heart race or your stomach tighten. Remember, this isn’t your fault—it’s your brain’s way of trying to keep you alive. The beautiful truth is that God can retrain your mind toward peace.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2
But here’s the good news: God’s peace can calm your sympathetic nervous system. God never intended that you live in fight-or-flight mode. God designed your body to return to peace, even after experiencing a trauma response.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
— John 14:27
Using Psalms to Calm a Trauma Response
When anxiety strikes, it helps to remember that your body is responding the way God made it to—but you can invite God’s peace to step in and calm the storm of your stress response. Try pausing to notice what’s happening in your body. Feel your heartbeat as it responds to your stress response. Notice your breath. Then, take a slow inhale and whisper a prayer:
“Lord, You are my refuge and strength. Help my body remember Your peace and find rest from the fight or flight mode."
This small act invites your nervous system to shift from panic to peace. You can even visualize laying your fears at Jesus’ feet, allowing Him to handle your trauma response. He welcomes your racing thoughts and trembling hands—He’s not asking you to hold it all together amid the stress response.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
Your body’s fight-flight-freeze response isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of design. But God calls us beyond survival—into rest, trust, and restoration. The next time your heart races, remember: you are not in danger but in His hands.
Resting in God to Heal Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response
Resting in God is more than physical stillness—it is the deep spiritual knowing that we are safe in His presence, even when our bodies feel anything but calm. Scripture reminds us that rest is a sacred gift from God, not something we have to earn or achieve.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28
When your body feels overwhelmed, resting in God might mean closing your eyes and slowly breathing in Jesus' name. It might mean stepping outside for a few minutes to feel the sun on your face, remembering that He holds all creation—including you—in His care. It could even mean setting down your phone, opening your Bible to Psalm 23, and letting the words, “He restores my soul,” wash over your anxious heart.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
— Psalm 4:8
These small moments of surrender tell your body, “I don’t have to fight anymore. God is my defender.” As your mind and muscles release their grip, your nervous system begins to settle into a rhythm of rest that mirrors Christ's peace.
Your Relationship With God Calms Physiological Responses
Just as the body needs rest, so does the soul. And there is no greater rest than knowing you are unconditionally loved. When we experience trauma or prolonged stress, our nervous systems often stay alert, scanning for danger even when none is present. But when we return to the truth of God’s unfailing love, something begins to shift inside us.
Jesus said:
“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love.”
— John 15:9
God's Love as the Antidote to Flight and Freeze
Remaining, or abiding, in His love means reminding ourselves again and again that we are safe, seen, and cherished. It’s whispering, “I am loved,” when fear tells you otherwise. It’s remembering that His love didn’t leave you in your most challenging moments, and it never will.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 8:38–39
Surrendering to God After a Traumatic Event
When we bring our trauma responses into the presence of God’s love, healing begins. As we notice His love and allow ourselves to rest in it, our nervous systems receive a new message: You are safe now. Love, not fear, becomes the signal our bodies respond to.
Each time you pause to rest in His love, whether through prayer, stillness, worship, or simply noticing His presence, you invite your body, mind, and spirit to remember what’s true:
You are deeply loved.
You are fully held.
And you are safe in the arms of the One who made you.