Healing for the Broken Hearted

 Mayo Clinic tells us there is a physical ailment called Broken Heart Syndrome:

Broken heart syndrome is a heart condition that's often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions. The condition also can be triggered by a serious physical illness or surgery. Broken heart syndrome is often a temporary condition. But some people may continue to feel unwell after the heart is healed.

What causes Broken Heart Syndrome? Extreme reaction to a physical or emotional event:

An intense physical or emotional event often comes before broken heart syndrome. Anything that causes a strong emotional response may trigger the condition. Examples include:

• Sudden illness such as an asthma attack or COVID-19 infection.
• Major surgery.
• Sudden broken bone.
• Death of a loved one or other loss.
• Strong argument.

(Source: Broken heart syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic) 

...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Roman 5:8 ESV) 

Perhaps you are experiencing a loss or terrible stress due to living in a broken world. There really is no escape from pain or heartbreak, but there is One who knows our frame, who has our days numbered and who suffered on our behalf.  He is our refuge in trouble and the only one who can get to the heart of the problem and bring about lasting healing. I'm talking about Jesus Christ who suffered and died on a cross so that we might have forgiveness of sin and become new creations. 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

(John 3:16 ESV) 

Once you become a Christian, you will still have troubles in this world, but you no longer carry those burdens alone. I remember when my mother and I were told by an oncologist that she had an aggressive form of cancer and there was no cure. All that could be done for her at that point was pain management. I literally felt my heart break. It was devastating news for mom, but thankfully, she had recently become a new creation in Christ and He gave her the strength, grace and courage to face death. Mom knew she would live eternally in Heaven and while still here she could roll her tears and pain onto Christ. I often marvel at the composure and peace she had after receiving such heartbreaking news. I also marvel that even though my heart was also breaking at the loss of my mother, Christ gave me strength to get through such a difficult time. I truly don't know how people who don't know Christ handle such grief. The sweet comfort of the Holy Spirit is something I will never forget, nor can I express how wonderful and loving He is to the children of God.

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

(Isaiah 58:8 ESV) 

If you are going through troubling times right now - perhaps you're facing serious illness, been hurt by a loved one or suffered tremendous loss, please seek comfort and healing by rolling those painful burdens onto the back of the One who loves you more than words can express. Amen.