“My Heart is Steadfast”: A Theological Framework From Selected Psalms of David for Considering Trauma

Abstract

Burgeoning research about trauma tends to preclude biblical consideration on the one hand or to improperly eisegete trauma into the biblical text on the other hand. How does Scripture—and the book of Psalms in particular—guide those who are traumatized, as well as those who would counsel them, into understanding such suffering from God’s perspective? What insights about human function can be gained by looking at David’s response in the book of Psalms to known narratives of tumultuous events recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel? Informed by theological anthropology, this dissertation will examine the Davidic psalms with superscriptions tied to narrative events in David’s life in order to reveal a variety of anthropological insights pertinent to understanding trauma responses in a biblically grounded way. The primary insight is that while external circumstances significantly influence human response, the chief determinative factor shaping David’s response to the alarming circumstances he faced is personal faith in the Lord. This principle must inform a Christian understanding of trauma that allows counselors to recognize the shaping effects of traumatic events while not considering those effects entirely determinative of present response. Furthermore, personal trust in God has a constructive effect on one’s response to trauma. I will use this biblical framework to assess the modern concept of trauma and to provide implications for a counseling methodology for people suffering from traumatic events in their lives. Chapter 1 introduces the thesis of the dissertation. Chapter 2 constructs a global theological anthropology that I use to approach the selected Davidic psalms. In chapter 3, I examine and analyze the selected Davidic psalms themselves. Chapter 4 proposes what I argue to be a three-tiered biblical model for progressive formation of perception (or interpretation). This model is intended to be used by those who are traumatized as well as by the pastors, counselors, and helpers who seek to assist them move toward a right response of faith from the conditioning effects of evil they have experienced. Thus, this dissertation will move from having a theological analytical emphasis in the beginning to a more practical emphasis in the conclusion.