A Life Full of Trauma

The advice shared in the previous insight has its roots in the advice given in a letter by Paul. This is how he described his life of trauma. 
I with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

TALK ABOUT TRAUMA! Despite all this, he found peace. How? He shares his secret in his letter to the Philippians. 
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:7-9

Simply stated, ”think about certain things and get your mind off of damaging thoughts”. 
Is what you are thinking about on this list? If not, how can you think about these things?  We will share some ideas in the insights that follow. Thinking these things worked for Paul. It can work for you.