In a world increasingly burdened by anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress, the cry for healing has never been louder.
At the recent Love and Light Season 8 seminar, Dr. Sam Adewuyi shared on “Pathways to Emotional Healing”—a profound teaching rooted in Scripture, informed by medical insight, and ignited by the Holy Spirit.
Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, battling inner emotional storms, or seeking deeper spiritual wholeness, this teaching is a divine roadmap to freedom.
Understanding the Reality of Trauma
Pastor Sam begins with a stark truth: trauma is real, powerful, and long-lasting.
He shares a poignant story of a 70-year-old man who broke down in tears during a 15-minute consultation. The man had revisited a city from his childhood and, upon entering a public restroom, was overwhelmed by a repressed memory of abuse he suffered as a young boy.
“Something that happened over 60 years ago was still affecting him,” Pastor Sam said. “Trauma doesn’t just fade. It lives in the soul.”
This is not an isolated case. Trauma embeds itself in the subconscious, resurfacing through triggers, emotional instability, and distorted beliefs about self and others.
The Total Man: Spirit, Soul, and Body
Dr Sam went on to share about the biblical model of the human being as a triune creation—spirit, soul, and body.
“Salvation must address the spirit, the soul, and the body,” he emphasized. “If God only dealt with sin spiritually but not emotionally or physically, we wouldn’t be truly saved.”
He anchors this truth in 1 Thessalonians 5:23:
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This verse reveals God’s desire for total wholeness—not just forgiveness of sins, but healing of the inner man.
The Three Parts of the Soul
Pastor Sam draws from the teachings of Watchman Nee to break down the soul into three components:
- The Mind – Where thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations reside.
- The Emotions – Where feelings like joy, anger, shame, and fear are processed.
- The Will – The seat of decision-making and personal choice.
When trauma strikes, it doesn’t just wound the emotions—it distorts the mind and weakens the will. This is why many believers, despite being “born again,” still struggle with anxiety, addiction, and broken relationships.
Why Emotional Healing Matters: The Bars of Iron
Pastor Sam uses a powerful Old Testament metaphor from Psalm 107:16:
“For He has broken the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron in two.”
He explains:
- Gates of brass symbolize the power of sin—broken at the cross.
- Bars of iron represent mental strongholds, trauma, and emotional chains—the internal barriers that keep believers from freedom.
“You can be filled with the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues, and still have bars of iron in your mind,” Pastor Sam warned.
These strongholds manifest as:
- Negative self-talk
- Fear of relationships
- Inability to trust
- Emotional reactivity
- Self-sabotaging behaviors
Jesus’ mission, as declared in Luke 4:18, includes:
“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…”
This is not just poetic language—it’s a divine mandate for soul healing.
Signs You Need Emotional Healing
Pastor Sam outlines clear symptoms of a wounded soul:
1. Emotional Instability (Mood Swings)
You go from joy to sadness without cause. Your emotions feel unpredictable.
2. Chronic Anger or Bitterness
Even minor offenses trigger disproportionate anger. Past hurts resurface in current relationships.
“Damaged people damage others until they get healed,” Pastor Sam said. “That’s the only way they know how to relate.”
3. Shame and Low Self-Worth
You feel unworthy, unlovable, or like a failure—despite outward success.
4. Lack of Trust
You struggle to trust God, pastors, or even your spouse. This often stems from betrayal or abuse.
5. Overcompensation
You over-give, over-perform, or over-achieve to mask inner emptiness.
6. Addictive Behaviors
Whether it’s substance abuse, workaholism, or emotional dependency—addiction is often a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma.
Where Healing Begins: Insight
Pastor Sam stresses that healing starts with insight—the ability to recognize that something is wrong.
“Jesus said, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me’ (John 7:37). But first, you must know you’re thirsty.”
In medical and psychological terms, insight is the awareness that your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors are unhealthy. Without it, healing cannot begin.
How to Gain Insight:
- Humble self-reflection: “Could this be why I react this way?”
- Honest conversations with trusted counselors or pastors.
- Exposure to teaching like this—where symptoms are named and patterns revealed.
Pastor Sam shares a story of a woman who returned to church after years of absence, triggered by a sermon on healing. She finally admitted: “I’ve been carrying this pain since a pastor abused me on campus.”
“Mercy opens the eyes,” Pastor Sam said. “And once you see, healing can begin.”
The Power of Renewing the Mind
The cornerstone of emotional healing, according to Pastor Sam, is the renewing of the mind.
“Your mind dictates your emotional state. Your emotions affect your will. So if you want to change how you feel and act, you must change how you think.”
He cites Romans 12:2:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
This isn’t just religious talk—it’s scientifically validated.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the Word of God
Pastor Sam, a medical doctor, reveals a stunning connection:
“The principles of CBT—changing thoughts to change feelings and behaviors—are rooted in Scripture.”
He explains:
- Thoughts → Feelings → Behaviors
- Change the thought, and the chain is broken.
“The Word of God is the greatest cognitive therapy ever written,” he declared.
For example:
- A woman abused in childhood may believe: “All men are dangerous.”
- The Word of God says: “I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 144:10).
- Renew her mind with truth, and her emotions and choices begin to change.
Trauma-Focused Reversal Thinking: using Scriptures
This is where Pastor Sam introduces a revolutionary concept: Trauma-Focused Reversal Thinking.
It’s not about reliving trauma, but re-scripting the emotional response using the Word of God.
How It Works:
- Identify the trigger (e.g., fear of abandonment).
- Capture the right thought from Scripture (e.g., “I will never leave you nor forsake you” – Hebrews 13:5).
- Meditate and rehearse the truth in your mind.
- Visualize yourself responding in faith when the trigger comes.
“Imagine the devil bringing the old thought,” Pastor Sam said. “But you quote Scripture and walk in freedom.”
He shares a story of a man addicted to smoking who, instead of giving in, mentally rehearsed buying a cigarette—then quoting Scripture and walking away.
“That’s how strongholds are broken,” he said. “Not by willpower, but by the Word.”
Behavior Reinforces Thought: The Law of Practice
Pastor Sam emphasizes a key principle:
“Behavior reinforces thought.”
Every time you act in faith—even when you don’t feel like it—you strengthen the new mindset.
“When you pray when you don’t feel like praying, you reinforce the power of prayer.”
This is what Paul meant by:
“Exercise yourself toward godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).
Godliness isn’t passive—it’s spiritual discipline.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Writing God’s Law
Pastor Sam closes with a powerful truth from Hebrews 10:16:
“This is the covenant I will make with them: I will put My laws into their hearts and write them on their minds.”
How does God write His law?
- Through the Holy Spirit
- Through meditative prayer
- Through consistent exposure to Scripture
“As you meditate, the Spirit writes truth on your heart,” Pastor Sam said. “That’s how the bars of iron are broken.”
From Pain to Purpose: The Comfort of God
Pastor Sam shares a final, powerful word:
“God comforts you so you can comfort others with the same comfort you received (2 Corinthians 1:4).”
Your healing isn’t just for you—it’s a testimony for others.
“Document your journey,” he urged. “Someone will need your notes.”
When trauma is transformed by grace, pain becomes purpose.
A Prayer for Emotional Healing
Pastor Sam leads a powerful declaration:
“In the name of Jesus, I declare that God my Father is interested in my spirit, soul, and body. He has made provision for my total healing. I declare the Word of God is given to me to heal my mind and bring my emotions into the right place. My mind is healed. My emotions are healed. I am free from the shackles of the past. I am free in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Conclusion: You Are Designed for Wholeness
Pastor Dr. Sam Adewuyi’s message is clear: emotional healing is not optional—it’s essential for living the abundant life Jesus promised.
Through insight, the renewing of the mind, trauma-focused reversal thinking, and the power of the Holy Spirit, you can be set free.
You are not broken beyond repair.
You are not defined by your past.
You are a vessel of God’s healing, destined for wholeness, purpose, and light.
Action:
If this message touched you, share it with someone who needs healing. Attend a Love and Light seminar. Seek godly counsel. Begin your journey of renewal today.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18