“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
You gave your heart to someone who you thought you’d spend forever with. That special one, who fulfilled your every dream. But, then you find out, that sometimes dreams don’t work out like you thought they would. All you’re left with is the painful memories.
Or, maybe you had to say goodbye to someone you loved. After all, there’s no remorse in death’s grim, frigid hand. Your once whole heart now has a part that’s forever missing. You wonder how you can move on, how you can ever fill that void. You wonder if it’s even possible.
I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to experience the cruelty of heartbreak. I’ve loved and lost people who were a huge part of my life. It’s devastating and soul-crushing, especially if you don’t get any closure.
But, I’ve also been on the other side. I’ve walked Heartbreak Alley and I came out alive. I came out stronger. I came out wiser and healthier. Friends, it is possible. Here is the secret, and it’s only one word: Jesus.
When it feels like you’re going through hell and that your heart has been put through the ringer, people always tell you to keep going. Face that fire, walk right through it. They’re right, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face the battle alone.
Whether you realize it or not, you have an army of angels around you and a Savior who longs to heal your wounds. He sees every tear, every hurt, every piece of your battered heart, and He wants to fix you.
Jesus knew pain, suffering, and heartbreak. He was betrayed by His own people, unjustly persecuted, brutally tortured, and left to die on a cross. If there’s anyone who can relate to heartbreak, it’s Jesus.
Until my spiritual eye was opened, I didn’t realize the peace and comfort that turning to Jesus brings. So often, we turn to the things of this world – alcohol, drugs, people, and other unhealthy, addictive behaviors. Those things may satisfy us for a short period of time, like a bandaid for our grieving hearts. Ultimately though, we long for a permanent fix. Something that will fill us back with the joy we lost. That’s where Jesus comes in. He can shower us with His grace, forgiveness, oil and wine. That is His promise to us – along with everlasting life!
When my grandfather went to be with the Lord, it completely turned my world upside down. I didn’t know how to handle my heartbreak, how to cope with my pain. I didn’t know where to turn or who to turn to. I was lost, grieving, depressed, and anxious. I was determined to handle it on my own though, and thought I could do it. I thought I had to do it, especially for my family’s sake.
Until, finally, I went for grief counseling. My counselor was the one who truly introduced me to Jesus. I knew of Him, but I didn’t know WHO He was. I didn’t know how He held the key to my healing. I didn’t know that He longed to have a personal relationship with me. Most of all, I didn’t understand that He loves me enough to embrace my heartaches, my sins, my faults and my failures.
It was as if my eyes were opened for the first time. I knew there was a solution to my pain. I knew it wasn’t going to magically disappear overnight; God is not a genie. But, I knew that my heartache would lessen with time, patience and surrender. It would lessen more and more as I soaked into His word and understood the promises that He gave the world.
“Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
You can turn to anything and everything that this world has to offer. You can try to mend your broken heart on your own. You can try to numb it, ignore it, and swallow it. Or, you can surrender. You can give Him your pain, your tears, and your anxieties.
“Cast all of your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
I know your broken heart may feel irreparable. I know you may not see a way out from your pain. I know you may feel as if your heart will never beat the same way again. But, dear friends, it will. That is a promise from our God, and He cannot lie. Bring Him everything. My brothers and sisters, He will carry you, mend you, and make you whole with His word, His promises, and His love.
Featured Image Credit: Olliss