HOPE FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED

HOPE FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED
There seem to be quite a few broken hearts as of late, and I ask myself, “What are the qualifications needed to heal a broken heart?” Cardiologists receive special training and skills in finding, treating, and preventing ailments of the heart, but what about broken hearts?
What is a Broken Heart?
Wikipedia describes a broken heart (also known as heartbreak or heartache) as a metaphor for the intense emotional (and sometimes physical) pain one feels when experiencing a loss. It cites the concept that a broken heart is cross-cultural and dates back at least 3,000 years. The emotional pain can be so severe that the heart can actually be damaged physically. Have you experienced heartbreak that severe?
The Remedy?
I’d guess that many of us have experienced this type of heartbreak, and I wish I had a quick remedy for the women who speak with me and share their emotional pain, but I don’t. I don’t even try because I know that only God can heal a broken heart.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV
How do you heal a broken heart? Give your cares to God. Spend time in prayer and give Him your heartache, pain, and sadness. His Word will give you the hope to hold on and the strength to persevere. How do I know this? Because this is what His Word states, and I’m a believer.
The Lies We Believe
Young women share their heartbreak. Their voice is strained and may sometimes quiver. Their eyes are sad, and the weight of the hurt crushes their spirit. Beautiful, smart, talented young women who are shattered due to a broken relationship.
In some cases, it is a breakup. The loss of true love comes in many forms, and the reasons vary. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed situations where, somewhere along the way, the young women ended up accepting less. These bright, young women believed the lie that they did not deserve better. Whether the choice was due to loneliness, insecurity, or a lack of self-belief, they chose a relationship that, for many reasons, was unhealthy for them, and before they knew what was happening, they were deeply in love with the wrong person for the wrong reasons.
I love the quote by Becca Martin, “Love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.”
Our Thoughts, Our Beliefs
There are many things I could do or say to young women to assure them that they are amazing, lovable, and have great value, but I’m not sure they would listen because it’s not up to me. It’s that small, quiet voice in their mind speaking to them, and that voice is the voice that will direct their steps. I spoke in-depth about our thoughts in Where Are Your Thoughts Taking You?
The thoughts that fill our minds with lies become our belief system.
These thoughts run through our minds like a ticker tape, reminding us of the lies. And when we believe the lies, our life choices begin to reflect our thoughts, including our values, beliefs, relationships, and careers.
Our Beliefs, Our Behavior
In The Search for Significance, the author shares, “Our behavior is often a reflection of our beliefs about who we are.” Let these words sink in for a moment. Our behavior reflects what we believe about ourselves. So, if I can do anything for you today, I encourage you to believe you are beautifully and wonderfully created. Believe God’s Word and allow His Word to run through your thoughts.
God’s Promises
I’d like to share a few Scripture verses with you, and I encourage you to learn these verses and reflect on them. If our behavior reflects what we believe about ourselves, then let’s believe God’s Word and His promises. God is within you—you will not fail.
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” Song of Songs 4:7 NIV
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” Psalm 46:5 NIV
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV
The Future is Yours
Through the years, many amazing women have reminded me that God will close doors to protect us. Today, I share these words with you. I do not know your specific circumstances. I do not know why you are experiencing heartbreak. But what I do know is that God will never leave you or forsake you, so hold on to His promises and trust in Him. Allow Him to heal your broken heart. The future is yours.
“For 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.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
This post is dedicated to the courageous and bold young women whom I have the pleasure and honor of knowing. You are an inspiration!

Image Credit by Parinaz Wadia Design

