Trauma often causes the mind to create coping mechanisms, disguised as personalities, to protect itself. These mechanisms feel like part of who we are but are often barriers to true healing. The enemy uses these to keep us stuck, making us believe these false identities are our true selves. Instead of growing and moving forward, we stay stagnant, unable to fully receive God’s grace for healing. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our understanding, yet many times we cling to these defenses, blocking His guidance.
Some common coping mechanisms include people-pleasing, avoidance, perfectionism, emotional detachment, overachievement, hyper-independence, denial, suppressing emotions, constant busyness, and excessive control. While these may seem helpful, they are often rooted in fear and self-reliance rather than God’s truth. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” When we operate in these mechanisms, we step out of alignment with God’s plan, giving the enemy room to deceive us.
The devil’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He uses trauma and our responses to it to build strongholds in our minds, creating false narratives about who we are. But God calls us to demolish strongholds and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Sometimes, these mechanisms result from disobedience, ignoring God’s voice, or walking outside His laws. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 reminds us of the blessings that come from obedience to the Lord.
Healing begins when we acknowledge these coping mechanisms are not our identity. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). By surrendering our defenses to God, we allow His grace to heal the wounds we’ve been hiding behind. True freedom comes from knowing the truth, as Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Let us examine our hearts and invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any coping mechanisms that hinder us from receiving God’s healing. Trust Him to break every chain, for “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
