Hey you.
I would usually start a blog post with some enticing story or hookline. But when you’re feeling broken…
When there’s a thirst. When there’s a longing. When it feels like someone sucker-punched you in the chest or placed a 50 pound weight over your lungs… You don’t want enticing stories or a hookline. You want relief. And I don’t blame you.
Jackhammer
Earlier this week, I found myself in a really broken place. After months of trying to carry worries, doubts, fears and grief on my shoulders I shattered in the arms of one I love. It literally felt like someone was taking a jackhammer to my heart. Have you ever felt that? You probably have, because we all experience pain. And we all know it. So why do we act as if we’re always alone in our pain? Why do we try to isolate?
We’re meant for communion.”
Turn to Him
Dear heart, when you’re hurting, the first thing you need is Jesus. You need the Good Shepherd to come and treat your little broken heart. Only He holds true healing in His hands. You need to listen to His voice – because He’s always calling you by name – and let His voice drown out the voice of the thief (John 10:9). He’s a Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep – He laid down His life for YOU; He desires your broken heart. David knew this. In the shadow of his sin and despair, he cried out to God, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken heart” (ver. 17). God doesn’t take our broken hearts and push them aside because He’s too busy. Instead, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Ps. 147:3).
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
God is so capable. He is so willing. And He will call you to healing, and you must believe He will do it in His ever-loving faithfulness (1 Th. 5:24).
Find community
However, we can’t forget that you also need community in your healing. You need people to sit you down, look you in the eye and speak the Lord’s Words over you. Say NO to that lie that you are the only one in pain. Say NO to the lie that your worries are a burden to others. Say NO to the lie that no one cares enough to listen and pray.
If you’re in a transitional season and don’t have deep friendships around you, then find a safe mamma and ask her to listen. I’ve had to do that a few times. Whatever you need to do, the point is you need a listening ear, a kind face, a powerful prayer and a big hug sometimes…and that’s okay. Because we’re made for communion.
Dare to be vulnerable
We’re made to, “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) Community can’t substitute for communion with God, but it’s still needed in addition. That’s a painful lesson I had to learn this week.
After months of struggling, I finally realized I couldn’t do it alone anymore. In response, people flooded around me in truth, love and prayer. They came in to help carry my burdens and remind me to only carry the burden of Christ, which is easy and light. And there has already been so much relief. It’s amazing! Healing only comes after vulnerability – first with the Lord and yourself, then with others.
We have a Savior who makes even the most broken whole.”
Dear heart,
Will you be vulnerable with me today and share your broken heart?
We all have nothing to offer but our little broken hearts…
But it’s a good thing we have a Savior who makes even the most broken whole.
You’ve got this.
You’re brave.
You’re broken, but beautiful.
And that’s the truth.
Read also: You are worthy
