Do you ever feel broken?

Do you ever feel broken? From something as common as a cold or flu, to more serious ailments like anxiety, infertility, broken relationships, cancer or death.  I look at the pain around and wonder how a powerful, loving and perfect God can be a part of something this broken. Do you ever feel the same? 

When my heart grows weary. When the world grows heavy. When I feel incapable. There is a place I can go that always reminds me of hope, firm foundation and a plan that’s not based on my own objectivity but a subjective truth from a wise and trusted Father. God’s Word. 

I believe in prayer, and in worship and in community, but the place where all of those things are encompassed into one is the Bible. The Word of God in black in white for us to absorb into our hearts and minds. We are searching for answers to our questions, for direction, for wisdom and confirmation. We want it all and it’s all there for us to take in. But we don’t. I don’t. Why? Is it because we don’t trust it or perhaps we are too busy? 

I don’t see a future where the to-do lists aren’t long. Where there isn’t laundry, dirty dishes, mouths to feed, things to buy or places to be. Can we swap “busy” for “full?”

Reading the Bible is a commitment I can make that adds fullness to my life. This can look like the traditional rising early for quiet time or having an app on my phone that allows me to pull up scripture at any time. Leaving a bible out in the kitchen to glance at before wiping the counters or dashing out the door. Having an accountability partner to memorize parts of scripture. Attending a weekly small group that studies and discuss the Word. Reading out of the Story book bible with your kids, even if you have to bribe them with chocolate to do so. Turning to God’s word before you turn to TV, wine, social media or 100s of other ways we choose to unwind. These are not bad things, but I am talking about a mind shift that places a trust in something higher than ourselves for peace and answers. I do not believe God’s word ever comes back void. When you are at your end, God’s word is just beginning, and the more you dig in deep, the more its fruit pours out into your soul. 

I was at my wits end recently (not a completely uncommon occurrence). I had been sick and was tired and angry. I was praying so hard for some strength or peace and honestly felt not even a little of any of those things. I literally was telling God how through I was with him.  How fickle we (me) can be. Back home, I decided to stop self loathing and open the Bible. I could tell you exactly what I read, but instead I will tell you what God did for my heart. He moved it. He shifted my perspective to eternal things. The day was still hard, no supernatural doves came down from heaven and healed my circumstances, but His word did heal my broken heart. 

People are hurting and looking for answers – open, look and see. You can hear from God when you know His voice.  You learn how He sounds by reading His Words. 

Live well friends, 
Christy