Broken

In my newsletter today, I am going to ask you if you have ever been hurt in a relationship with a friend, a spouse or even with a family member. If so, have you been broken to the point that the pain you endured prohibited you from welcoming other new relationships? Did the offense steer you to shut people off and make you put up a guard? Does this sound familiar? In my job, I hear this story quite often and it saddens me. When people endure this type of treatment it seems that the after effects result in feeling hurt, rejected and betrayed which oftentimes leads the sufferer to feel a sense of fear which keeps them from embracing new relationships. The truth is, when we share our lives with someone, there is always a chance that they will let us down. But let’s be honest, we may also hurt and disappoint them as well. When this happens, it is very easy to create a barrier that keeps us from engaging others because we are afraid of getting hurt again. Therefore, we go into protective mode and shut down opportunities for additional friendships/relationships. But is this the healthiest way of handling the pain? The answer is no! You know why? Because by shunning new relationship opportunities, we put ourselves in a position that could make us miss blessings that God has brought into our lives that was intended to fill our hearts with love and joy. We need to recognize that not every relationship is the same and not every person will repeat what others have done to us. DiscipleFirst.com states that by extending grace and forgiveness while working towards letting go of the things that have wounded us, these concepts will help us heal quicker. The next step should include: turning to Jesus and praying for wisdom as well as praying for our offender. I know this is hard but it is necessary because it will not only help us work through the pain, but it will also help make a change in our hearts. So will you come to Jesus with your broken prayers and allow healing to begin?

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalms 147:3

Chaplain Tracey Burns

Reflection Questions

⦁ Are you still harboring pain from a broken relationship?

⦁ What steps will you take to open your heart and be able to embrace other opportunities for healthy relationships?

⦁ Who do you need to forgive today?

⦁ When you are broken, do you take on the pain yourself or go to the Father and allow Him to heal your heart?

Bonus: Great song (if you are interested)- Have you ever come to God with “Broken Prayers “

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjfdHtOJxJc&ab_channel=RileyClemmonsVEVO