When It’s Trauma: Finding Hope in Psalms of Exile

By Darby A StricklandReligion & Spirituality Christianity

When It’s Trauma: Finding Hope in Psalms of Exile episodes

December 15, 2025 Advent Episode: Restore Us Again (Ps 85)
This reflection is about our longing for renewal and restoration.
The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠

11 min
December 09, 2025 “O Come, Immanuel" (Psalm 79)
Psalm 79 gives voice to the sorrow and defilement of people standing in the ruins of trauma, crying out for rescue. Advent answers those cries with the coming of Christ, the God who steps into our devastation and begins restoration right where everything feels lost.
The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
12 min
December 03, 2025 Songs We Cannot Sing
Special Advent Episode. “Songs We Cannot Sing” (Psalm 137:1–6) Grief during the holidays—empty chairs, broken relationships, sorrow that makes celebration feel impossible
The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
10 min
November 25, 2025 Songs from the Depths
This psalm meets those who feel defiled or unworthy—showing that waiting on the Lord is not passive but hopeful endurance.It is a guide for crying out from shame and guilt after trauma.
The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
7 min
November 18, 2025When Ruins Surround You
Trauma leaves behind rubble. Psalm 79 gives us words to pray when the ruins are still fresh, pleading for God’s mercy and trusting that His name is tied to our rescue.

The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
9 min
November 11, 2025Remembering When God Feels Far
When the night is long and God feels far, Psalm 77 teaches us to remember. We rehearse his works until our hearts can rest again.

The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
10 min
October 21, 2025Dreaming of Home
When your days are sown with tears, Psalm 126 says God will fill your mouth with laughter again. We’ll remember past deliverance, pray bold prayers in the dry places, and lean into the promise: those who go out weeping will come home with shouts of joy.

The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
10 min
October 14, 2025Pouring Out Your Story to God
When you feel scorched, withered, or alone in the night, Psalm 102 reminds you that God hears every groan. Your cries are precious to him—and written in his book.
The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
7 min
October 07, 2025Restore Us, O God
When sorrow feels like your only food, Psalm 80 teaches us to cry, “Restore us, O God—shine on us again.

The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
10 min
September 30, 2025Our Keeper for the Journey
After lament, we lift our eyes. Psalm 121 reminds us that our help comes from the Lord—the maker of heaven and earth—who keeps us, day and night.

The When It’s Trauma podcast is a devotional journey through the Psalms of Exile. Each short reflection invites you—or someone you love—to breathe, grieve, and encounter the compassionate presence of Jesus. Trauma can silence, disorient, and isolate. However, Scripture provides us with a language for pain and a path toward hope.
Author and counselor Darby Strickland guides listeners tenderly through passages that speak to fear, shame, abandonment, betrayal, and despair—while pointing to the steadfast love of God who enters our exile and walks us home.
What You’ll Experience in Each Episode:
A short, grounding Scripture meditation
Gentle reflections
A picture or metaphor to hold onto throughout the day
A gospel connection that lifts your eyes to Christ
A closing prayer or benediction spoken over you
Why This Matters: Many trauma survivors love Jesus but feel abandoned by him or are overwhelmed by what they carry. Helpers often feel unsure how to come alongside without causing harm. These reflections offer both sufferers and helpers a way to engage with God’s Word slowly, safely, and honestly.
About the Book: When It’s Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma and Walking Faithfully with Sufferers by Darby Strickland offers a deeply biblical guide to walking with Jesus through suffering. Through themes of exile, lament, presence, and restoration, the book helps readers understand trauma, unburden themselves of shame, and experience healing in Christ and within the community. ⁠https://a.co/d/3eENnfz⁠
8 min

About When It’s Trauma: Finding Hope in Psalms of Exile

From the publisher's feed

This podcast series walks with you through the Psalms of exile—songs written from places of displacement, injustice, and longing. Each short episode offers a reflection on Scripture to help you name…