“We cannot heal our own broken heart,” write doctors Henry Cloud and John Townsend, but there’s hope. Find out why in this excerpt from the NIV Life Journey Bible. -Adam Forrest
A broken heart vs. “normal” pain
Brokenheartedness is a painful state of being… When we are brokenhearted, our inner self feels smashed into pieces. Brokenheartedness occurs when we do not have the capacity to bear a loss or pain and something breaks inside.
For example, it is one thing to be discouraged in a relationship after a quarrel or period of alienation; it is quite another to be devastated by a severe relationship problem, such as deception, unfaithfulness, abuse or abandonment. We can also be brokenhearted about the loss of a loved one, a serious health issue, an emotional problem or a career loss.
However it happens, life as we know it goes on hold when we are brokenhearted.
What can we do with our broken heart?
We cannot heal our own broken heart in our own strength; we need God. During those times, God does not leave us alone. He takes initiative, healing us and binding our wounds…
God’s nature is that of a healer: “I am the Lord, who heals you” (Exodus 15:26). Healing is part of his character. We need to turn to him with our broken hearts.
-From The NIV Life Journey Bible with notes by Dr. Henry Cloud (@DrHenryCloud) and Dr. John Townsend (@DrJohnTownsend)
Further reading: God as mighty healer (Psalm 147:3-7, 10)
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.
The Lord sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.
Sing to the Lord with grateful praise;
make music to our God on the harp…
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Learn more about The NIV Life Journey Bible: Find the Answers for Your Whole Life
Q: If you feel brokenhearted, what could “turning to God” look like for you today?
Also, how do you feel when you hear God doesn’t delight in your strength, but in your hope — in him? Is this encouraging? Challenging? Other? -AF
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3 Responses to Hope for Broken Hearts
aaron miller October 20, 2012
Why do you continue to call the new Bible NIV – it is not NIV – it is an updated Bible that has been rejected by Child Evangelism Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Lutheran Church as well as many pastors and churches accross the country. People are at bookstores buying it thinking they are getting NIV and they are not. Please be honest and put second edition or updated edition or something so people will not be tricked into buying what they do not want. That way if we want it, we can get it, if we do not, we can look for the earlier version. I do not think you are being honest – in fact the pastor of the church I attend said you are out right liars. and as a former pastor and church planter – I agree.
Aime Jones February 11, 2013
Love to read what you have shared. Especially the poem it is really nice one. Heart is very fragile object so its better to carry some ego with you because it help you to sustain strong at your feet again. Thanks a lot for sharing it.
Will February 14, 2013
AF ,Thank you for the reminder that our all hope is found in Him. I am a father with a broken heart, and were still headed for worse, but I know He cares for me.
WR