Broken Hearts

 In the presence of the One who heals you, face what wounds you.

”The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT.

My thoughts today are about, “Broken Hearts.”

In life, there are many experiences that prompt pain. Emotional pain eventuates  into grief. There are many layers to the emotion of grief. Grief is an emotional or psychological hurt that refuses to be healed. One of those seems to be regret for things that never were, or once were but will not be again. Regret can arise from things done or left undone. But there is good news.

Healing comes when you bring your pain to, “the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3 NKJ. As with most things, Jesus turns assumptions upside down, or more accurately, right side up. At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus established the foundational truths of His Kingdom.

Those fundamental truths are called Beatitudes, meaning, “supreme blessedness.” Read Matthew 4:23-5:10. In those, Jesus assessed our common struggles and presented unforeseen solutions found only in the truths of His Kingdom. As with most of our assumptions, His conclusions are not as might be expected, but more glorious than can scarcely be believed.

Jesus gives this promise to the inconsolable, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 NIV. We love the promise. We dislike the process. Whatever the origin of your pain, you will just want relief. You want to feel better, to just stop hurting. Jesus does not mask your pain. He heals the pain with His own comfort, as no other can.

God’s comfort requires facing what wounds you in the presence of the only One who can heal you. Do not try to bury your pain inside. It is a fool’s errand that never works. Instead, bring your pain to Jesus where you can find and feel God’s healing comfort. You have His personal invitation, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest . . for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV.

Mourning is a stubborn pain that refuses to be comforted, yet Jesus promises that elusive comfort of heart and soul will be yours. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NKJV. When you have received God’s comfort, comfort others. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NKJ.

And to whom is this promise given? Jesus said His promise is for the poor in spirit. Jesus describes that person as one who recognizes their total inability – their abject poverty – in the face of theirs or another’s vast needs. David explains so simply that the Good Shepherd, “refreshes my soul . . even though I walk through the darkest valley.” Psalm 23:3-4 NIV.

Until you face your need of His grace, you will not know the power and provision of the One who is described as, “able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NKJ. The overflowing provision of the Kingdom of God is yours. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NKJ. According to His riches!

Your most extensive need will be amply met by His immeasurable riches. From personal experience (2 Corinthians 1:8-10 NIV), Paul testifies to the plentiful sufficiency of God, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJ.

My prayer for you today is to find the comfort of God sufficient and abounding.

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