Shattered and Broken

“We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed.  We are confused, but we aren’t depressed.  We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned.  We are knocked down, be we aren’t knocked out.”  2 Cor. 4:8-9

Do you remember the old adage, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”?  My mama used it often, I used it myself with my children, but you know, it’s not exactly a true statement.  Words do hurt and sometimes that hurt lasts a lifetime.  Words can shatter your self-worth, your spirit and your confidence. 

As I was thinking about writing this week’s devotions, I remembered two weeks ago, while Brooks was mowing grass the mower threw a rock and shattered the glass in our front storm door.  Just after I heard the POP of the rock hitting the door I looked and saw the spidery web cracks starting to occur.  It was so strange as I watched that happening, it was almost slow motion.  In a few short minutes the glass fell out and we were left with a door frame …. and a mess!  Brooks, bless his heart, swept up all the glass big enough and then vacuumed up the rest.

In life, we are hit with “rocks” that sometimes shatter us.  The “rock” could be thrown by another person, or a “rock” picked up by us.  Either way, the cracks come, and some pieces may fall out leaving a hole in a heart or spirit.  Now, we had to order another glass and Brooks replaced it making our door whole once again.  Jesus does the same with us. He repairs all the cracks and refills spaces where a piece of our self was lost. 

When you feel you’ve been shattered and left in a mess, remember this verse from Nahum that says: “The LORD is good, a haven in a day of distress.  He acknowledges those who take refuge in Him.” 1:7 Go to Jesus for repair and let Him make you whole again.

In closing, I like this poem by Deborah Ann Belka.  I have taken the liberty to just use a few verses rather than the entire poem.

Jesus’ healing touch,is just a brush away . . .when you go to Him on your knees and pray.

He will touch your heart, mend the breaks within, put back all the pieces till a new life begins.

He’ll touch your mind, restore your sanity replace your thoughts with His tranquility.