In our lives, even as Christians, we often encounter moments of deep pain and brokenness. This could be losing a loved one, or it could be plans not turning out to be what we expected. Or maybe a medical diagnosis. Regardless of what the moment consists of, we can feel overwhelmed, but the Bible assures us that God loves a broken heart, a comforting reminder of how much God loves us. This powerful truth offers hope and comfort to those who are struggling as their heart is broken or breaking. By understanding how God’s love for a broken heart is woven throughout Scripture, we can find the healing we need and come as we draw closer to Him.
Understanding Brokenness
Brokenness is a common human experience that we all share if we end up living for any length of time. This broken state can result from various sources: loss, betrayal, sin, or the pressures of life and work. In these difficult times, it’s easy to feel isolated and a sense of being forgotten by God. However, the Bible reveals to us that God is close to those who are brokenhearted. Take a look at this passage in Psalms.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
What a beautiful verse with a promise! It reassures us that God’s presence is with us in our darkest moments. He never abandons us in our pain; instead, He draws near to offer His comfort and salvation.
Personally, I felt this most in my life when I lost my father suddenly. I recall being in shock until I returned home and to work. In the early mornings days and weeks following the loss, I recall my heart breaking repeatedly and crying out to God alone in my living room. His love surrounded me, warming my soul and comforting me when I needed it most. It was the most profound presence of God I have ever felt in my life.
God’s Compassion for the Brokenhearted
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s compassion for those who are in pain and hurting. Jesus Himself demonstrated this kind of compassion throughout the entirety of His earthly ministry. Jesus sought after and reached out to those who were marginalized, sick, and struggling with sin. His actions and His words reflected the true heart of God, displaying love and mercy to the brokenhearted.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.
Isaiah 61:1
Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, bringing hope and healing to a hurting world.
The Purpose of Brokenness in Our Lives
In His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, God often uses our brokenness for a greater purpose than we can imagine. While it may be difficult to understand and grasp this reality, especially in the midst of our pain, brokenness can lead us to a deeper reliance on God. It strips away our self-sufficiency, revealing to us we aren’t self-sufficient. It brings us to our knees, and to a place where we recognize our great need for Him.
But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
These verses highlight a paradox of Christian faith and a fundamental truth: in our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect. Our brokenness is not caused by God but used by Him to display His power and grace in our lives. It is only when we can acknowledge our weakness that we can experience the fullness of His love and strength in our lives.
God’s Healing for a Broken Heart
God’s love for a broken heart is not just comfort in a single moment; it’s also about healing from the pain. He desires to restore us fully and make us whole once again. This process of healing often begins with us surrendering. We must surrender our pain, hurt, and brokenness to God and trust Him to mend our hearts.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
In the business of healing, God desires to bring healing to each of our broken hearts. He takes our shattered hearts and, with His tender and loving touch, brings restoration and wholeness to those who seek Him. His healing may come through prayer, Scripture, time or community but it is always rooted in His deep and unyielding love for each one of us.
Practical Steps to Embrace God’s Love In Brokenness
1. Turn to Scripture:
The Bible is full of promises and examples of God’s love and faithfulness throughout the generations. Regularly reading and meditating on God’s Word provides comfort and strength to our souls. Verses like Psalm 34:18 and Isaiah 61:1 remind us of God’s closeness and His healing power present in our daily lives.
2. Pray Honestly:
Prayer is an incredible and powerful tool in the process of healing. Pour out your heart to God in genuineness, sharing your pain and struggles you encounter no matter the size. He listens and cares deeply about you and your broken heart.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
3. Seek Community:
God often uses other people in our lives to bring healing. Surround yourself with a supportive Christian community that will pray with you, offer encouragement, and walk alongside you in your pain, difficulty, and life’s journey.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
4. Worship and Praise:
Even in our state of brokenness, worship can shift our focus from the pain we hold in our hearts and onto God’s greatness. Singing praises and worshiping God can seem difficult when broken, but it brings peace and serves as a reminder to us of His sovereignty and love.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11
5. Rest in God’s Presence:
It’s important that you spend time in quiet reflection, resting in God’s presence. Having this time allows Him to speak to your heart and minister to your soul, helping bring healing and peace.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Embracing God’s Plan for Our Lives
Fully understanding the why when it comes to experiencing certain trials and brokenness may never happen on this side of eternity, but we can trust that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. His love for us is unwavering and never-ending, even in our darkest moments we face. By embracing His love and seeking His presence daily, we can find hope and the healing we desperately crave.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
This verse promises us that God can and does bring good out of our pain and out of our brokenness, using it for His glory and our spiritual growth.
Testimonies of God’s Love
Throughout human history, countless people have experienced the power of God’s love and His healing in their brokenness. Their testimonies serve as powerful reminders of His goodness, faithfulness and compassion for His children. Reflecting on these stories can encourage and inspire us in our own journeys.
One such example is the story of King David in the Bible. Despite his many failures and moments of brokenness, David was known as a man after God’s own heart. His psalms are amazing and filled with the emotional experiences he went through as a person. Raw expressions of pain and repentance, but he also speaks throughout them of God’s goodness and love.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17
Conclusion
Understanding that God loves a broken heart transforms our perspective on our pain and suffering. We are reminded that we are not alone, that God is with us in the valleys we go through, and that He has a purpose for our trials. By turning our focus and our hearts toward Scripture, praying honestly, seeking community, worshiping, and resting in God’s presence, we can find the healing and hope we need.
God’s love is the ultimate remedy for a broken heart no matter what age or gender. It is through His love that we are able to find restoration, strength, and the courage to move forward. No matter the depth of our pain, heartache, and brokenness, we can trust in God’s unfailing love and His promise to heal and renew us from the inside out.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
Let me leave you with this truth. Anchor yourself in God and allow His Holy Spirit to guide you toward the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, who is always near and ready to heal your broken heart.
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How has God helped you through difficulties? Share in the comments below to encourage me and others who might be reading. 🙂