“If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.”
Psalm 34: 18 The Message
So many of the headlines break our hearts- the war is raging in the Ukraine, and there are plenty of domestic issues which concern us as well.
Where is God when our hearts are broken? The Psalmist, King David, asserts that God is right there, in the midst of our pain over tragic things which break our hearts.
There are some people who flee from sadness, because they are uncomfortable with pain, or deeper, less cheery emotions. Yet God does not flee from suffering. No! Instead, He makes His presence known.
This verse from Psalm 34 echoes one of the most meaningful verses in another Psalm: the most well-known one. The 23rd Psalm states boldly that even when we walk through the darkest valley, the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us.
Right now, many are walking through such a deep dark valley, especially halfway around the world in the Ukraine. However, the presence of trouble does not mean the absence of God. On the contrary! God shows up in the midst of our pain. The Lord is present to mend broken hearts, and to help us breathe again, even when the world has kicked us in the gut.
How comforting it is to realize that in a world of pain, suffering, and broken hearts, God’s presence and His love have the final word…
Prayer
Loving God,
You are the mender of broken hearts, and a friend to all in need. Thank You for being there for me every day, but especially on the hardest days. When the world has knocked the wind out of my sails, You help me to breathe again. For Your presence, Your love, and the hope You offer to all, I offer You my praise. I don’t know what I would do without You in my life! Fortunately, You are always there. Thank You! I pray this prayer in the name of Your son, my Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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