I've been reading a book by Joni Eareckson Tada entitled A Lifetime of Wisdom: Embracing the Way God Heals You. I read this excerpt today and wanted to share it with all of you.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18
The word translated "crushed" in this verse comes from a Hebrew root that means "to burst." It can also be translated "to tear," as in tearing a piece of cloth down the middle. When you are in so much pain, sorrow, or frustration that it feels as though your heart might burst within you, when you feel like your soul has been torn like rotten fabric, God draws close to help ... He's there with you instantly, ready to hear and respond to your cries of perplexity and anguish.
Sometimes brokenhearted people say harsh things. Sometime toxic cynicism or long-repressed anger can spurt out of a lacerated heart. The Lord knows that ... and wants to be close anyway. Sometimes bitter emotions and acid words can ooze from a crushed spirit. The Lord understands that as well...and draws near to comfort.
The fact is, gut-wrenching questions honor God. Despair directed at His throne is a way of encountering Him, opening ourselves to the one and only Someone who can actually do something about our plight. And whether we collide head-on with Him or simply bump up against Him in the dark, we cannot be the same.
We never are when we experience God.
2 comments:
wow laura!!! i didn't think anything could top your jacob/olympic post...but this was amazingly profound. I LOVE THE INCREDIBLE HEARTFELT WISDOM IN THESE WORDS. joni is truly AMAZING! :) and so are you. :)
Thank you for introducing us to Experiencing God by Blackaby many years ago. God is so ready for us to come to Him in our pain or joy. Why do not more people see He is the answer to every question? Thank you for sharing!
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