Devotion / Brokenhearted

Are Christians immune?

 Isn’t it wonderful knowing that once a person believes in Jesus Christ, all their problems go away? Unfortunately such is not the case. Christians live in the same sinful world as everyone else. The hearts of God’s children are not immune from breaking. It’s not unusual to see a fellow Christian suffering from a broken heart. It hurts deeply to see the pain of parents whose child has fallen into sin; to hear of Christian families that are broken by sibling strife or to witness the funeral of a friend’s newborn. They all teach us that in no way are God’s people exempt from broken hearts.

 When we open our Bible we discover an endless stream of people who suffered from broken hearts. Picture Adam and Eve standing over Abel’s lifeless body, Lot losing his wife on the road out of Sodom, or Jacob deceived into thinking his dear son Joseph was dead? And what about David as he ran for his life from his own son Absalom? These were all times of unbelievable heartbreak. And can anything compare with Mary standing at the foot of the cross that held her Son? Her suffering is unimaginable.

 Healing for the brokenhearted

 There will be no end of hearts broken while here on earth. Yet there is hope and healing at the cross.  The Lord assures us that when our hearts break, we can reach out to him and he will be there for us. We find great comfort in Psalm 34:17,18, 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. Psalm 147:3 puts it this way, He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

 As God’s children, we know hearts will be broken. Mates will not always be faithful. Children will bring heartache and disappointment. Loved ones will suffer and die. Yet through it all, we can rely on God’s steadfast assurance that he is always here for us. He has the medication that heals the broken heart. He fills the gap of loneliness and despair. He lives within our broken hearts and provides us with peace. Jesus assures us, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28,29).

by Reynold R. Kremer