ENCOURAGING THE BROKENHEARTED
“Encouraging “ is giving someone confidence, hope or motivation to do something or face a challenge.It can be a way of comforting someone by offering hope and support during tough times.
“Brokenhearted “ means feeling extremely sad, hurt or disappointed, often due to a painful experience. It is like one’s heart is literally broken into pieces. It is a state of feeling extreme sadness or grief.
The brokenhearted are those struggling with emotional pain ,grief or spiritual dryness. Such people need encouragement, comfort, hope and healing from such wounds.
The scripture encourages the brokenhearted and assures them of support, hope and ways to overcome brokenness of heart.
Let us consider some of the texts in the scripture with reference to the brokenhearted.
Ps34:18-“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Ps147:3 -“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Lk4:18b- Jesus said” He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives.”
Prophet Isaiah prophesied that GOD sent the Messiah/Jesus to bind up the brokenhearted in Isa 61:1 and Jesus confirmed it in Lk 4:18b, that GOD hath sent him to heal the brokenhearted.
Let us consider some of the causes of brokenheartedness.
.Loss of a loved one through death ,separation or divorce.
.Illness ,terminal disease or chronic pain.
. Emotional or physical abuse .
.Betrayal ,disappointment or broken trust.
. Job loss or financial struggles.
.Rejection,loneliness or abandonment.
. Unfulfilled expectations or dreams.
. Stagnation, failure and spiritual struggles.
Let us consider various ways such people can be encouraged.
By reminding them of God’s love and encouraging them to focus on his plans .For the Bible says “I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jer 29:11. No matter what they may be passing through, GOD has a future for them. Reassure them that GOD loves and cares for them.
By encouraging them to pray and also praying with them and assuring them with the word. GOD said”Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me ,and I will listen to you.” He will be found when such seek him.Jer29:12 .That they should not be anxious about anything, but in everything,by prayer and petition , with thanksgiving,they should present their requests to GOD.Phi 4:6. They should cast all their anxieties on GOD because he cares for them .1 Peter5:7. Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Matt11:28. As GOD spoke to Jeremiah “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jer 33:3 when he was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, He is saying the same to the brokenhearted. Speaking or reading the portion above will encourage them and give them hope.
By visiting them, listening to them and showing compassion, empathising with them, giving aid, support or assistance in their areas of need.
By giving wise and godly counsel and assuring them that GOD is greater than whatever challenges they may have or whatever they may be passing through.
Brethren, the brokenhearted need comfort, hope and healing. As believers, we should be able to support, assist and render help in any way we can and remind them always that God’s grace is sufficient for us all , for His power is made perfect in our weakness.The Bible admonishes us to carry each other’s burdens, and in this way we will fulfill the law of Christ.Gal 6:2. Also ,we should encourage the disheartened, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.1Thess5:14b.
Above all, encourage them to maintain a life of gratitude, keeping a thankful heart in every situation. Help them recognise God’s presence and purpose, and remind them that His goodness transcends temporary hardships. And that in all things they should give thanks for this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus concerning us all.1Thess5:18.
Prayer:
The LORD will help us to be able to encourage and give succour to the brokenhearted and as many that are brokenhearted, the LORD will mend their hearts and heal their wounds . They will not die in their affliction in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
.
