"Broken but Bandaged"

THE WORD: 

Psalm 147: 3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit."

DEVOTION:

Some have said that there is no worse ailment than a broken heart. According to the dictionary, to be "brokenhearted" means   "having the spirits depressed or crushed by grief or despair."

Everyone has suffered from a broken heart to a certain degree, and some have suffered worse than others. It could be the broken heart of seeing someone you love pass away, or it could be the broken heart of having been the victim of terrible circumstances.

When people are physically wounded, a bandage is usually used to protect the wounds from infection or getting worse. In some translations, Psalm 147:3 says God "bandages up their wounds." A bandage is a "piece of soft material that covers and protects an injured part of the body."   God bandages our wounds with His love and grace so that our wounds do not get worse, and infect the hope and joy in our heart.

How can you have joy when you have a broken heart? As Christians, we have joy in knowing that one day - God will bring us to His Home where there are no tears, no pain, no broken hearts.   Do not forget that joy and happiness are different. Happiness is a temporary emotion that is a result of how this world satisfies us,  while joy is our inner spirit based on knowing that God has saved us.

God is the Healer of the brokenhearted who binds our wounds  - this includes physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. You may be suffering from many wounds, but God is near to the brokenhearted - and when you are near to God, that is the best time to strengthen your spiritual life.

My heart has been broken by illness, by harsh words, by loneliness,  by relationships. When we are broken, God feels our pain when nobody else can. He is there ready to bind our wounds when we give them to Him.

PRAYER:  

Dear God, You are the Healer of the brokenhearted. You have promised to be near me whenever I feel like life cannot get any worse. Help me remember that my sad times on this earth are temporary, and the pain I am facing today cannot compare to the times of joy awaiting for me when You bring me to Your Home.

APPLICATION:  

How do you sense God's presence when you are brokenhearted?

WORSHIP: 

"Esther" by Esterlyn

"He heals the broken Hearted

He binds their wounds

He is Love"