Trigger Points

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When the Trigger Points Surface

I first learned about trigger points when a painful neck and shoulder condition led me to my first chiropractic visit. A trigger point is essentially a knot within the muscle tissue that causes pain. Some are obvious and debilitating; others go unnoticed until pressed. Unless the trigger points are released, the affected muscles can’t function at their full potential.

After several months of chiropractic care, my trigger points finally released, and my neck and shoulder began to heal. It was a painful process—one that reminded me how easily a small, nagging condition can become something that requires deeper healing.

Spiritual Healing

My first encounter with spiritual healing happened years ago during a retreat. I was struggling to connect with the message being shared because my heart and mind were closed to recognizing my own need for healing. Then the speaker said something that pierced through my resistance:

“Have you ever reacted to a situation in a way that was completely unwarranted?”

That question stopped me cold. I knew I did that—overreacting to people or situations for reasons I didn’t fully understand. That moment marked the beginning of my healing journey.

Wounds Happen

We live in a fallen world, and our hearts inevitably bear the marks of its brokenness. No matter how good our upbringing or how blessed our circumstances, no one escapes unscathed. Along the way, our hearts are wounded—and a wounded heart doesn’t always respond with love. Often, it reacts with sin.

When we face a situation that stirs an unreasonable reaction, we’ve been triggered. When that invisible point is pressed, our response can escalate quickly. But if we pause long enough to ask why, we may uncover a deeper wound that needs healing.

“He reveals deep and hidden things…” — Daniel 2:22

Sometimes, a wounded heart is one that longs to feel worthy or validated by others. I can certainly raise my hand to that. When I sense my worth being questioned, I can be easily triggered. What starts as an innocent conversation can suddenly unravel into overreaction or silence.

When we carry the wound of needing to be affirmed by others, we continually look to people to tell us who we are—instead of resting in who God says we are.

Look Further

A wounded heart creates fertile ground for being triggered. The key is to notice our unwanted reactions, acknowledge them, and allow God to show us their root.

It’s not my favorite spiritual exercise—to dig into the why behind my behavior. The process can be uncomfortable and humbling. But an exposed trigger is a blessing.

Just as a chiropractor locates a physical knot to release pain and restore movement, so the Great Physician tenderly reveals the spiritual knots within us—so that healing can begin.

Recently, after a painful “trigger point” episode, I spent several days praying for healing and forgiveness. I asked the Lord to free me from this wound—the need for affirmation from others. In the stillness, I heard Him whisper gently:

“I am your biggest cheerleader, and I am cheering for you.”

A Better Heart

His grace is sufficient. Knowing that He stands beside us, cheering us on, brings deep consolation. Yet, like muscle memory, old patterns take time to change. Healing takes patience—and space to let grace settle into the heart.

Our biggest obstacle to healing is the belief that we don’t need it. But we all do. God is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. He longs to make us whole—if only we will ask.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3