The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted

Dec 20

Written By Marissa

Joy to the world the Lord has come!

What wonder-filled words we sing every December in celebration of the birth of Jesus. Joy is a common word tossed around this season, and rightfully so. It is truly a joyous time to gather with loved ones and enjoy the Christmas season.

However, for some this ‘joyful season’ may not be exactly full of joy. Instead, there may be many with heavy hearts who are navigating grief-stricken waters. Losing a loved one is unimaginable. Living through the subsequent seasons without them can cause the hurt to resurface.

As sentimental traditions return for their annual rebirth, we may need to be gentle with ourselves and/or those close to us. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (NIV). We may not know how to care for our brokenhearted friends or to stop our own tears, but God does.

Psalm 34:18 encourages us that God delights in caring for those who may feel pain in place of all the surrounding joy. This verse is a loving reminder of our need to talk to our Father about the difficult moments of missing our loved ones during such a special time. As we do so, we can take comfort in knowing no burden is too heavy for the Lord: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).

Maybe we do not have the words to pray over our friends. Maybe we can’t even form the words in our own grief. Both of these things are okay. Romans 8:26 tells us the Holy Spirit will step in and carry our heavy burdens to the Lord on our behalf:.”In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (NIV).

This season may bring heavy emotions, but God is big enough to carry the weight of it all. As we surrender our grief and lean into His loving embrace, the Father will strengthen us, uphold us and lead us to His everlasting joy. (Isaiah 41:10)

As we look to Jesus, the Joy of the world, may we find joy in His presence.

For it is there. It is always there.

Marissa

Marissa Tarantino currently lives in New York City, though she grew up in East Tennessee. In both places she has worked in children’s ministry to help kids meet Jesus. She values having a deep, personal relationship with the Lord and letting His voice guide her steps in life.

Marissa works as a Tax Consultant, but has always loved writing. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring New York City, drinking coffee, and reading a good book. However, Marissa’s main joy is spending quality time with family and friends!

You can learn more on Marissa’s Instagram here.