Wednesday Devotion and Prayer. April 12, 2023
“To the Broken Hearted”
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18
So many of life’s trials can lead to a broken heart. Losing a family member unexpectedly. A dear friend moving away. A relationship ends abruptly. Or simply feeling alone, without a community for support. Does God see our hurt when hard circumstances leave us with broken hearts? Does he care? We use the word brokenhearted to describe the intense pain we carry in our chests when we go through deep loss.
Sometimes it feels like an emptiness that can’t be filled. God knew the difficulties we would face in this life, so he gave us comforting words to tell us how much he cared about our broken hearts. Each of us will experience the pain of brokenheartedness, but we can rest assured; God sees our tears. He is near. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Isn’t knowing Jesus stays close to us when our hearts have broken a relief? He knows what it’s like to have a broken heart. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Even as he was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities, Jesus was concerned about us.
Before giving his life for us, he gave his disciples hope for their broken hearts, as well. What heartbreak they must’ve felt when Jesus endured the cross. Yet, Jesus comforted them with these words, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
His faithful followers would be saying goodbye to their Lord, but they had hope for his promised return. Those same words bring hope to us right now. Jesus has risen, and we can experience his presence anew each day. If you’re feeling brokenhearted today, let this promise from Jesus begin to fill the emptiness inside.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1). Yes, God sees our broken hearts, and he cares so much that he gave us the hope of eternal life with him through his son. Let’s bring every broken heart before our Savior in prayer. Nothing comforts a broken heart quite like God’s love.
Heavenly Father,
You know what it’s like to have a broken heart. You understand how I feel when no one else does. You understand loneliness, hurt, and disappointment and never leave me alone. I am calling on you now, Jesus, amid my pain. Soothe every broken heart. You are the source of all comfort.
Lord, help me hold on to the truth that you are near me always. Your Word says in Psalm 145:18, “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” In my brokenheartedness, you are comforting me and speaking peace in my life. Thank you for that reassurance. I know you are here right now listening, loving, and caring about everything happening in my life. I can cling to you through every trial because of that truth. Thank you for inviting me to bring my broken heart to you. Fill me with your love, peace, and joy. In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
