The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. — Psalm 34:17-20
This is the last day of looking at what may be on your plate. Over the last two weeks, we have talked about people-pleasing, success, self-sufficiency, possessions, technology, busyness, bitterness, pride, apathy, fear, and self-pity.
Today’s topic is a wound. Broken heartedness. Crushed in spirit. This ends up on your plate because someone has hurt you or something bad has happened in your life.
Your heart can be spiritually broken for multiple reasons. Maybe you are a survivor of childhood abuse. Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse leaves a child feeling broken and wondering whom to trust. Maybe something tragic happened to you and shook your faith. You realize you still believe in God, but you wonder why this terrible thing happened to you. Why didn’t God stop it?
When you are broken hearted, you feel like you cannot trust anyone but yourself. You put walls up to keep other people and God at a safe distance.
Our scripture reminds us, however, that God is close to the broken hearted. He did not cause the pain that broke your heart. Either someone sinned against you, or something happened because we all live during the time of the Fall and things are not perfect.
Trusting God is a process. That wall needs to come down, but it will probably happen brick by brick. One thing I suggest is the Father’s Love Letter. The video is at http://www.fathersloveletter.com and a written version is on page 52 of this devotional. Be gentle with yourself. God can bring healing, but it will take time.
To Think/Pray About Today
Prayer: Lord God, I feel broken hearted because __________ happened in my life. I am having trouble trusting you, so I pray you help me do that. Help me take the step to let you into my heart to heal me. Help me see your love for me. Help me see other people’s love and care for me. Amen.
Prayer Focus: Colonial Pizza
Cedarville United Presbyterian Church 