brokenheartedness
I’ve heard it said a thousand times. I’ve probably said it myself equally as many.
Break my heart for the things that break Yours.
And I agree with that wholeheartedly. It’s a prayer I need to be mindful of praying more often. I so easily get caught up in the routine, the busyness. The to-do lists and endless meetings. My heart breaks over unaccomplished tasks, unmet goals, insufficient funds, inadequate sleep. My heart needs to break more often, more consistently, for the things that break God’s.
God’s heart breaks for lost sheep. Prodigal sons. Rich young rulers. Prostitutes and tax collectors. Priests and agnostics. Kings and commoners. And for them — for the people He loves — my heart needs to break more. Much more.
Lately, though, I’m even more captivated by this thought:
God’s heart breaks for my broken heart.
He loves me that much. His compassion is that far-reaching. His grace is that incomprehensible. God’s heart hurts for my hurting heart.
The King of the Universe aches for me. The God who spread out the expanse of the sky, flung the stars into place, set the sun in its perfect position, and carefully placed the moon to simply reflect a light not its own…this God also reaches out to me, pulls me onto His lap, wraps His arms around me, holds me tighter than I realize I need, and refuses to let me go.
He weeps with me.
He doesn’t say much; He doesn’t need to. He certainly doesn’t feed me ridiculous clichés: “Smile, I love you.” “I work in mysterious ways.” “When I close a door, I open a window.” “Let go and let Me.”
His tears say enough. They tell me He understands. He cares. He sees my hurting heart and He holds it in the palm of His hand. And He holds it ever-so-gently.
God’s heart breaks for your broken heart.
I hope there is a peace, a reassurance, in that for you as much as there is for me.
There is. Thank you.
Who buys into that “bumper sticker” theology full of cliches anyway?
It is reassuring to know that the God who created my heart has a heart that breaks too.
I read this a few times…let it wash over me, in a way.
Thank you.
Alece -
I saw your question about my book (this is jon of http://www.prodigaljon.com)
The book is an exploration of the prodigal son story, loosely titled at this point, “The Prodigal Son’s Field Guide: 101 Things to Do the Day After the Welcome Home Party.” It’s kind of a look at the day after grace. I don’t think I have your email or I would have emailed this comment.
Jon
I need to know this.
Everyday.
I need to know this.
Everyday.
that’s really good. i’ve been thinking about this lately: God cares deeply about what I care about. It’s powerful.
God is with me in discomfort… that’s what I am hearing in this difficult place I am in.
Perhaps too personal to ask here… but how are you hurting Kitty… any ways that you can share?
Very much. Thank you.
Alece, thank you so much. You reminded my heart of why I do what I do. Some days it’s so hard to see it. But God never stops being faithful to me, and by that faithfulness He gave both you and Natalie the perfect words to bless my heart.
Alece, thank you so much. You reminded my heart of why I do what I do. Some days it’s so hard to see it. But God never stops being faithful to me, and by that faithfulness He gave both you and Natalie the perfect words to bless my heart.
A broken heart can only truly be comforted by another broken heart. God has experienced all our pain, he lives it with us as we suffer it, and he strengthens us by his strong and gentle presence.
thanks for that reminder.
wow. goosebumps. or jesusbumps. lol. this really opened my eyes. I had heard of he first two… but the third one was so astounding. I realize, like “duh devin, of course his heart breaks for you” but then I was like… “Whoah, God… your heart breaks for me?” Its one of those things that when you hear it, you break… but the good kind of breaking… the kind that breaks the walls and lets god in. The kind of breaking that you are reassured, and you feel so much more in love with god.
Thanks doll face
for putting it into perspective.
Sending love,
Devin
I know this is a really old blog, but I was drawn back to it again today. Its something that you can never hear too many times or be reminded of time and time again. Breathtaking!
mmm… thanks, mo.
This one makes me cry… :)
His heart breaks for my broken heart.
Thank you…
Thanks, Alece.
not sure what brought you here to read this now, michelle, but… i needed the reminder as well. thanks.
You know, Alece, I wish I could put my finger on the source of my pain. Maybe it’s just the groaning of living in this tent, wanting to be whole, physically, emotionally, mentally and relationally…maybe.
I’m so thankful that He holds my heart gently.
brokenly blessed.
blessedly broken.
but yes, i’m longing to be whole as well…
saying a prayer for you tonight. and i’m so glad He holds my heart gently too.