Broken Heart

by Heather Tietz

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

My husband suffered from the symptoms of heartbreak.

We didn’t realize at first what was happening, but God knew that cardiovascular disease was written in his genes. No one else could guess that this healthy-looking, slender guy would suffer from literal heartbreak so young — no one but God.

However, helping the suffering is God’s forté. Healthy people don’t need a doctor, Jesus reminded us. He came to earth to heal the sick of mind, sick of body, and the sick of heart.

Whether we have faithful friends like young David’s, ready to defend us every moment, or heartless friends like Job’s, with no empathy for our suffering, we always have an empathetic Father.

God has walked in earthly shoes. He knows the pain of heartbreak, of death stealing family and friends, of hunger, of homelessness, of insults and false accusations, of thorns and nails.

We can reach out to Him. We can pray, and pray again. We can keep His scripture in our pocket, write it on our bathroom mirror, post it on our dashboard, and dial it up on our radio. We can sit quietly and soak up His nearness. In heartbreak and in wholeness, God is near us when we need Him most. He will help whatever heartbreak you have, too.


Reflection

In what ways do I reach out to God when my heart is breaking and my spirit is crushed? In what ways does He respond?


Prayer

Dear Lord, Please be near me, for I have a broken heart. My spirit is crushed beneath a load of worries and cares. Save me, I pray, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.