Psalm 147:3 NIV, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Most of us have had our hearts broken at some point in life. Whether it was the carelessness of others, our own wrong choices, the loss of a loved one, or just the unfair circumstances of life that we could not avoid, a broken heart can leave us feeling hurt and empty.
Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio of Hungary 🇭🇺
However, the Lord has promised to bring healing when we place our broken hearts in His hands. No pain or hurt is above His healing power. Healing is usually a process that takes time, but when we commit to trusting God, things will get better. He knows what we need and who we need to help us through the process. His resources are unlimited, so trust God.
Philippians 4:11 ESV, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
It dawned on me recently that it has been quite sometime since I have shared a Florida memory. However, I remember the Florida days often, and still find it hard to believe how quickly those four years there with my daughter passed by.
I remember standing in the line at Publix (Florida’s famous grocery store, that I do miss, especially the $5 Sushi on Wednesday’s), and I ended up getting into a conversation with the lady behind me. She told me she was sending the items in her basket to her father in Venezuela. I looked down at her basket and saw various health items, simple yet needed things, like aspirin and other types of over the counter medicine. She explained that in Venezuela it is difficult for him to get those things.
Photo by: Oleg Magni of Switzerland 🇨🇭
It is important for us to be thankful for the basic necessities of life. It is easy to take for granted walking into a store and grabbing aspirin, lotion, and toothpaste. However, in other parts of the world, many people do not have access to these things or can not afford them.
This Florida memory reminds me to not complain, and instead to be thankful and content in whatever state I am in. I am thankful I had that short, but meaningful conversation with the lady in Publix.
Doral, affectionately called “Doralzuela”, due to its large Venezuelan population, is a city located right outside of Miami. I had a job interview in Doral when I first moved to Florida. Come to think of it, my dentist in Florida was also Venezuelan. Remember to pray for Venezuela and people everywhere who are less fortunate; and keep taking action to help better the lives of others as God gives you opportunities to do so. And always be thankful for the blessings God has so freely given to us.
Psalm 36:5 NIV, “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”
The Lord has a good plan for our lives. We can rest assured knowing that His love and faithfulness are always working in our lives to bring about what is best for us. Trusting in God, even when we don’t have all the answers, will help us to worry less and be at peace.
When we feel anxious, we can remember that the Lord loves us and that He is faithful. His love and faithfulness will never end, so cast your cares upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
2 Peter 3:9 NIV, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
God’s patience never ceases to amaze me. He is willing to wait, giving the world a chance to repent and turn from its wicked ways. He is also patient with us daily as we grow in Him, and slowly but surely learn to walk in His ways. Knowing this should give us a new perspective as we interact with others. The patience that God extends to us, we must learn to extend to others.
Photo by: PhotoMIX Company
Since we live in a fast paced world, patience is not usually celebrated, but as God’s children, we have the privilege of shining His light into the lives of others through the patience we show. As our light shines, we are helping to point people to Jesus, who is patiently waiting for them to repent and be saved.
Psalm 56:3 NIV, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Fear can creep in, even when we least expect it. It not only steals our joy, but it hinders our progress in our walk with God. Fear is always in opposition with the goals we are trying to reach or the purposes we are trying to fulfill. It tries to keep us from believing that we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who is our strength (Philippians 4:13).
Rather we are taking a step of faith and doing something new, confronting someone about a serious issue that needs to be resolved, or some other situation we are facing, God will help us. The Lord will not forsake those who seek Him and put their trust in Him (Psalm 9:10); so when you are afraid, put your trust in God.
Philippians 2:13 NIV, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Knowing that God is working in us to bring His purpose to pass, gives us security and comfort. It reminds us we are not on our own in our efforts to live for Him. We need His power and strength each day. The NLT version puts it like this…
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
The Lord is willing to even give us the desire we need to want to please Him. So during those times where we grow weary and feel like we want to give up, we can call out to Him and ask Him to increase our desire to live for Him. After all, life can be draining, and the world is constantly trying to get us to abandon our love for the Lord.
Photo by: Mimi Moromisato
Our Heavenly Father certainly understands our weaknesses and struggles. He is with us every step of the way and never leaves us alone to figure things out. He is willing to help us with whatever we need to live for Him. He is our ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Do not hesitate to ask the Lord for help, no matter how big or small your need is.
Matthew 28:6 NIV, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
May the joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord be yours today and everyday! Because He came, lived, died and rose, we have victory and eternal life.
Drawing Closer to Christ 