Anna the Prophetess Overcoming Emotional Trauma
A biblical example of a long-term healing from emotional trauma would be Anna. Anna was a prophetess in the New Testament. If you recall, there were 400 years of silence from Malachi to Matthew. It wasn’t until Mary and Joseph showed up at the Temple (Luke 2:22-35) to make a purification offering (Leviticus 12:6-8) for their first born before God (Ex 13:2, 12-15). First, Simeon (righteous and devout) cradles the Lord Jesus and praises God. Anna enters and prophesies the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38)
There are only 3 verses (Luke 2:36-38) to capture the life of Anna; however, historically, and culturally we can know more about her. Luke wrote that she was about 84 years old who lived through several generations. Luke also mentioned she did not leave the temple so historically, we know she lived during Roman rule where she saw division politically and religiously. She most likely remembered when open rebellion broke out at a memorable Feast of the Tabernacles. Janneus, while officiating in the temple as Priest-King, showed his contempt for the Pharisees by pouring out a libation at his feet instead of on the altar as prescribed. Soldiers were called; and before order was restored, six thousand people in the temple were killed. How traumatic to have witnessed those deaths and to fear for your own life!
She also recalled when Pompey entered Jerusalem (64BC) and found the temple being used as a military fortress. It took Pompey 3 months to break through the temple walls with battering rams. Once inside, he slaughtered the officiating priests and twelve thousand other Jews. She remembered with horror how Pompey profaned the Holy of Holies by entering it to satisfy his curiosity.
Culturally, the scripture denotes her widowhood and how her husband died after 7 years of marriage. We can assume she was a young woman who was devasted at the loss of her husband (Luke 2:36-37). The primary Old Testament law protected widows from poverty and cruel treatment by allowing marriage to a relative to ensure a male heir. The unmarried brother of the widow’s husband would take the widow as his wife and perform “the levirate duty.” The first son born to the widow was regarded as the legal descendant of her deceased husband. An example of this is the account of Ruth and Boaz.
We know she remained a widow. It could be there was no unmarried brother; thus, Anna was not only husbandless but also childless. She may have also been barren. The only worse thing for a Jewish woman than being a widow is being childless (1 Sam 1:2, 10). Her predicament left her with deep grief. The grieving process is often long and painful. She experienced various struggles. The loss of her husband caused a financial crisis. She was childless with no family support. She was alone and in a precarious position. The complexity of stressors in her life is a result of emotional trauma. She must have been truly a widow in need and completely alone in the world; thus, the reason Anna was given living quarters at the temple.
Luke mentioned in 2:36 something very important about Anna. Luke does not mention the name of her husband but her father, who happens to be from the Tribe of Asher. Moses prophesied that for the tribe of Asher, Anna’s tribe, “your strength will equal your days” (Deuteronomy 33:25). Somewhere in her timeline Anna received recognition and honor from her own people, as they regarded her as a ‘voice of God’. A prophetess, a mouthpiece, to bring God’s word to His people.
Emotional traumatic experiences shatter your sense of safety and security. She could have become bitter but she chose to be better. She did not allow her young pain to become old resentment. Anna’s life is an example of someone who has chosen not to live in regret, anger or even bitterness, but to devote her life to God.
We also know from scripture Anna was a thankful person. There is healing and restoration with a grateful heart. Despite her circumstances, her devotion to God was constant for much of her life.
Emotional traumatic experiences also leaves a person overwhelmed and helpless, even if no physical harm was done. Your emotional experience of stressful events can leave you struggling leaving a person in crisis numb, disconnected, and the inability to trust. We should always treat those who have been traumatized with compassion and care. We know God honors widows. Psalms 68:5 “A father to fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.”
Isaiah wrote in 1:17, “Learn to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” In Anna’s latter years, she was characterized with faithfulness, loyalty, and devotion to God. Somewhere in her timeline, there must have been a kind person to lead her to safety. Her recovery time took years and she was fully healed as the scripture stated God became her provider. She was designated as prophetess.
Anna is an example to anyone who has experienced emotional trauma from disasters, domestic violence, abuse, and devastation that have horrific images. Emotional trauma requires recovery and referral as more professional help is necessary towards healing. If you are going through emotional trauma, ask for help. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength. Find kind connections to give you hope. Be open to receive help. Make a plan with someone and make yourself accountable.
Anna is a good example of how God will get your through your dark valleys. She took take time to be refreshed in the Spirit of God’s unfailing love. She rested in Him, fully devoted to His will, and trusted Him for the outcome. She is an example to fellowship with the Lord through prayer and fasting. Finally, she is an example of devotion to us all to be ready for the Return of the Lord. Her many years of sacrifice and service were worth it all when she beheld the Messiah, baby Jesus, the One for whom she had waited so long.
As a crisis interventionist, If you are ministering to someone going through emotional trauma help them find healing, connection, and restoration.
