Heart Conditions: Broken Hearts

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Psalm 34:18-19 (NKJV)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)

For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'

Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

Hearts in mourning ache. When someone or something we love is lost, we become broken. Our hearts get a hole like a gunshot wound: a crack in the foundation of our lives.

  • Will we fall apart like ruined people?

  • Will we apply mortar and continue?

  • Can we actually survive and thrive… without the people or purpose we love?

When the world around us begins to shake, kids cling to parents. Teens cling to peer groups. Adults cling to lots of different things: loved ones, careers, habits, or possessions.

However, even the strongest grips break. In the aftershock, we sometimes forget God specializes in reconstruction. Ashes become beauty. Death becomes life. The way He sees it?

Our brokenness is the best building ground for glorious, life-changing miracles.

The King of kings broke bread and fed thousands. He let others break Him… and fed millions:

'I am the Bread of Life... The Bread that I shall give is My Flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world' (John 6:48,51).

No human heart has broken more widely. It caused an earthquake that changed everything!

Because all things here are temporary. People and places may be dear to us, but they must not become our #1. That position is reserved for Jesus. When we remember to love the Lord first, He’ll fill all our brokenness with Himself.

'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me' (Psalm 23:4).

Mourning hearts are deeply precious to God. They send us straight to the Arms of Abba. In time, a full recovery WILL come. Joy WILL come again.

'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever' (Psalm 30:11-12).

Heart Conditions: Broken hearts (Part 9)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban