How to Help Mend a Shattered Heart
For seven years, I dragged myself out of bed every morning and made myself go to work. The shards of my shattered heart pierced my mind and darkness flooded every corner. I struggled to just breathe.
On the back wall of my classroom, I hung words of healing in a position visible to me at all times. The psalmist spoke of a God who healed the brokenhearted, and I so desperately wanted to believe that was true even though I didn’t feel like it. Hour after hour, I stood at the front of my classroom, read those words silently, and rehearsed that truth.
He heals.
I reached out for His healing like a desperate woman burdened with a bandage soaked in blood.
With empty hands, I picked up the Word of Life. He slowly mended me stitch by stitch as I scoured the pages of my Bible. Truth was the only remedy.
Once I was resurrected, I danced in a white dress with heart beating wild and never looked back.
I thought I’d run wild and free forever, but since then my heart has been pummeled and patched up over and over again.
My shattered heart longs for heaven.
I live in the midst of the fallen ruins, but this world is not my home anyway.
Daily, I must surrender my broken heart to the One who creates beauty out of the ashes.
How’s your heart, friend?
These last few weeks have been brutal for many, and our hearts are broken by
- the secret sin of hate in people’s hearts
- The sad way people cannot seem to agree on anything and constantly argue
- the prideful pushing and shoving to make a point that never seems to stop
- the pain of unanswered prayers as we wait for change
Is your heart as heavy as mine? Maybe you’ve cried about the state of our world and the brokenness in your own family. I wish I could change it and make it all better. I wish I could jump through this computer to pray with you in person and let you know that we are going to be okay.
I still believe God heals broken hearts. When we give him all the pieces, He can put them back together again even stronger.
How to Help Mend a Shattered Heart
Focus on breathing in God’s grace.
You need to slow down to avoid going into shock. Be still before your Healer. Lean on His strength to help you stay standing.
- “Quiet your heart in His presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you. And don’t think for a moment that the wicked in their prosperity are better off than you.” (Psalm 37:7, TPT)
Wash Your Wound in the Word
Nothing else will stop the bleeding except the water of the Word. Keep pouring the Truth on your pain until the poison is washed away and loses its power over you. Trust that His cleansing Word completely heals.
- “How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.” (Psalm 51:1-2, MSG)
Apply the Salve of Forgiveness
Spread His grace over your mess, rather than holding on to your hurt. Mercy refreshes you and takes the sting out every time. There is a painful discomfort in taking this step that will require courage on your part, but I promise that you will feel better if you mend your shattered heart according to the guidance of the gospel.
- “Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them.” (Colossians 3:13, TPT)
Elevate Your Heart Above Your Pain Point
Lift your hands and heart in worship. As you look up to your Healer, your pain will begin to dissipate. Praise is the remedy for our pain.
- “God spoke the words ‘Be healed,’ and we were healed, delivered from death’s door! So lift your hands and give thanks to God for His marvelous kindness and for His miracles of mercy for those He loves!” (Psalm 107:20-21, TPT)
Stay Alert for Signs of Infection
Bitterness is a cancer. Uproot disappointment before it takes hold of your heart. Love wholeheartedly.
- “Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King.” (Ephesians 4:31-32, VOICE)
Need more help to help mend your shattered heart? I’ve created a one-page printable to help you meditate on how much God loves you. Grab a copy and start each morning meditating on these sweet Scriptural promises. Let God’s love wash over you as you worship the One who loves you most. He alone mends shattered hearts. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.
God will not waste the pain in our broken hearts. He will bring beauty. He will fill us with more compassion and greater wisdom. He will help us to love one another more purely and purposefully. God is going to strengthen us as we surrender our hearts to Him.
Like you, I realize that if God answered every prayer in the way I hope and if all my life was rainbows and sparkles, I’d have no reason to long for heaven or for God himself–but there are days when I wish for a predictable life with a known outcome.
I like rainbows and sparkles! I am thankful that He’s promised as eternal joy in His presence. I know that He is going to set it all straight in the end, but some days it’s hard to persevere. I’m praying He will give me that extra Holy Spirit Umph that I need to live in victory. now.
My heart has been so heavy the past few weeks, too. We participated in an outside, city-wide prayer gathering last night with all colors and different churches and it was the encouragement I needed to keep going awhile longer. Praying for the Lord to heal all the broken hearts and create fresh hope in each of us for better days ahead.
That’s. beautiful. Praying with you, friend. You have always been a bride builder and a woman who loves like Jesus in every corner of this world. I learn so much from you.
I long for heaven, too. But it is such comfort that He will not waste our pain.
It comforts me to know that He understands our brokenheartedness.
Thank you, Lyli. Healing comes with trusting God and sticking with Him. This post gives us practical ways we can do that.
I needed this! THANK YOU!
Love you, friend. xo