Short version for my brother: God can heal the broken hearted.

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I sit here with the intention of writing my first official and public blog, and begin with prayer. “Lord, please give me the words, to write what you want others to read.” And today’s reading confirms why I have not written a book . . . I have no content. Not really.

Today’s devotion was about heartbreak.

My personal experience with heartbreak can not compare with the real heartbreak I see in others. My heart has felt pain, especially when my children are hurting, but what could I possibly say about heartbreak to those that have been overcome, crushed, and are overwhelmed with violent grief? Although I can recant some of the scripture in today’s reading, I do not have much to reflect on.

But I will say this. I have witnessed it.

I have seen the Lord work in someone’s heartache. You can tell that’s what it is because of her light within the darkness. I know a woman that has lost her child, and she exudes Christ. That is not to say she isn’t suffering. She is. Her pain is too great for me to even grasp, but she admits her faith is what keeps her going. That is obvious what it is. I have seen others be stricken with the same grief and have not been soothed with the peace of Jesus. Not because He wasn’t willing and able, they just couldn’t see Him. When it is that dark, we can forget what the light is.

So what am I carrying away from today’s reading?

Psalm 34:18-19

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

What can we do for the broken hearted?

Let’s lead them to Christ by shining His light. I am not suggesting we recite scripture or pretend to understand, but maybe we can consider what Jesus himself would do. Listen. Love. Be present. Show kindness. Lessen the load. Ease the burdens. And pray fervently. As much as I hate to say it, we can’t fix it, BUT GOD CAN.

Dear Lord,

Lord, thank you for today’s reading. I pray that I did okay in your eyes. I hope this blog was written as you wanted and can be of use for You. Lord, thank you for saving me from the real heartache I have witnessed. There is a sense of guilt and hypocrisy in knowing I am fortunate in this area and have no first hand experience on this subject I am writing about. But I am thankful for the sightings of your work in friends and family that do know heartbreak. I am also thankful for the fact that You do not categorize pain, and are just as present in the smaller pains, of which I have had my share. Jesus, I ask that you make your presence real, so that those in the dark can see Your light. Call them to You and give them the comfort, peace, and strength that only You can. And use me Lord. If there is someone I can help, use me. Give me the words and actions to lead them to You, and stop me from saying things that could be misunderstood. Help me to notice and read cues. In Jesus name, Amen.