BROKEN-HEARTEDNESS

I Was Just Thinking About – BROKEN-HEARTEDNESS.

During the latter part of this year, there have been major transitions in the lives of people that were traumatic. The death of a husband or wife; a friend; a child. Whether by natural causes or self-inflicted actions, the trauma mechanism within each of us becomes stretched and the suddenness of one no longer with us is difficult to process. 

A friend recently posted an article on Facebook that addresses the Broken-Heart Syndrome. The article deals with some obvious realities when death occurs involving a spouse or another loved one with whom there was a closeness in relationship. It addresses the physical and mental factors that occur with the grieving person. Part of the conclusion is: “Anecdotes abound about couples married for over 50 years who end up dying within hours, days or weeks of each other — even if one spouse was relatively healthy when the first one died; the same is true for parents. It is possible that grief is implicated in illness and a higher risk of death.”

It struck me recently when people we know preferred to be home alone rather than invited to participate with someone else’s family celebration. I know that inner-desire and feeling. For those who know what Biblical caring means, you should be able to also realize “why” one makes that choice. It brings to mind a larger church in a community where we were ministering. They were able to have many inclusive type activities for the various age groups. However, they seem to have erred and been misunderstood when they came up with a Senior Adults Activity where a creative person decided to name the gathering as being for the “Pairs and Spares.” Ouch! No matter how well-intentioned, it nevertheless was calloused  regarding the widow/widower who they were hoping to include in the activity.

There is a spiritual approach of which we should be cognizant and utilizing. Psalm 145:9, “The Lord cares for the widows and orphans.” The Lord expects His people to exercise that same concern and care. James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress…” 

How should you and I respond to those who are coming to grips with sorrow, grief, BROKEN-HEARTEDNESS?

Psalm 34:17-18 – “The righteous cry out and the Lord hears…The Lord is close to THE BROKEN-HEARTED and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 147:3 –

“The Lord heals THE BROKEN-HEARTED and binds up their wounds.”

Isaiah 61:1

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up THE BROKEN-HEARTED…”

Psalm 51:17

“My sacrifice, O God, is A BROKEN SPIRIT; A BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART you, God, will not despise…”

How can you – should you approach one who is lonely and/or BROKEN-HEARTED?

A phone call: “You came to mind and I thought I’d just let you know that I think of you often and pray for you daily!”

A visit: “I was just out driving and was close to your home and thought I’d stop by to just say “Hello”!

On a special day or holiday, it might be appropriate to fix a plate with selected food items and bring it to the one who may be sorrowful, grieving, lonely, a widow, a widower, an orphan…

You can start with the above and let the Lord lead you in other ways where you can be a friend who cares and shares.

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.