When Life Hurts

The word Ouch

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds

                                                            Psalm 147:3

The memory is still vivid in my mind, even though years and years have since come and gone. My aunt had dropped by with my cousins. While our moms chatted, we went outside to find something to do. Of course, it didn’t take long to come up with an idea. All we needed was my bike, my skateboard, and a rope. What could go wrong?!?!

My cousin jumped on my bike. I grabbed the rope and hopped on the board. And just like that we were sailing down the street. It was cool for a moment, until it wasn’t. I never thought about little pebbles and their effect on skateboard wheels. The bike tires rolled right over the gravel but not my board and it came to an immediate stop. Trouble is, I did not. Down I went, scrapping my knees and legs in the grit. Thankfully the abrasions were minor, even though the cleanup was nearly as painful as the fall.

Similarly, an emotional wound can hurt just as badly. We live in a world with heartbreak lurking around every corner. An angry argument, a sudden disappointment, an intense bereavement, or a ruined relationship (to name a few) can cause deep suffering. Even though it is not physical, we are still crushed under the weight of grief, pain, and sorrow.

The good news is, there is a healer; a highly skilled specialist who comes to the rescue when we take a tumble on the path of life. Regardless of how big the burden, how prominent the problem, or how serious the circumstance, the God of Heaven's Armies has the power to patch the broken places. He sees our wounds and His promise to heal can be trusted.

It is important to remember, however, healing takes time. Just as my bruises and scrapes didn't magically disappear, God's restoration can also take time. Tangibly, we can't see Him working. But keeping faith and trusting His plan will ultimately result in recovery.

Take courage and hold on. No matter what the situation, you can trust God's Word and His promises. Focus on Him with hope as He tends to the wounds in your life.