Broken

We live in a broken world in need of healing. Sometimes restoration is necessary between two people whose friendship has been damaged, or from a dating relationship where infatuation turned to disillusionment turned to rejection, or a husband and wife whose relationship has fallen on hard times. Sometimes, we need emotional healing when a hurt drives us to discouragement, even despair. Today, let me introduce you to Yahweh Rapha.

For the next few days, we are going to follow the journey of a great man who walked with God and held evil at bay. He was blessed with ten children and much wealth. He not only took care of himself, but his “regular custom” was to make sure his children were purified by the sacrifice of a burnt offering. Job was strolling along singing Curly’s song from the musical, Oklahoma! —Oh, what a beautiful mornin’! Oh, what a beautiful day! Everything was going his way until…the bottom fell out of his life. There was a time when a person heard the name “Job” and thought “blessing”; today the name is tantamount to suffering.

Let’s be honest. Have you ever felt like running from God? I have. There have been times when I wanted to be alone, wanted to hide, and wanted some distance from God. But where is that place of seclusion? Let’s see what King David said.

Thanks for joining us for Promises in the Psalms—a devo series right from the Old Testament book of worship. We have learned that God is our helper and healer. He is always present with us and meets us wherever we are. He is right there when our hearts are broken. He tends to our deepest wounds. He is our great God! That’s why we praise him through our joy and our tears.

Have you ever been shaken? Left reeling? A person I met with today described it as a “gut punch.” These troubling times may involve an illness, a job loss, a death, a disappointment, or a broken relationship. In today’s passage, the psalmist says it feels like the earth is giving way and the mountains are quaking. But the strength of God can overpower our greatest fears.

He is using today to prepare you for tomorrow. He will never waste your time.

I am God and there is no other…. I have purposed, and I will do it.

With broken hearts, tearful eyes, and quivering lips we acknowledge that God is the giver of our first breath and the One who determines our last.

Real strength comes from only one place. We can be strong only because the LORD Almighty is our God. His strong arm is never too short to help us.