Do You Have a Safe Place to Rest Your Broken Heart
Life has a way of continually throwing curve balls. Just when you think you’re finally getting a break something else comes up. Women who have escaped abusive marriages know this all too well.
I wish you didn't have to know how true this is.
There are so many things coming against you. An ex who makes things so hard, children, single parenting feels lonely, fiances, and ongoing court stuff.
It can make you so weary, and broken-hearted, and it feels like there is no room for good things. It’s a weariness that doesn't go away with a good night's rest or taking a day off. This is a bone-tired that has built up over very difficult years. There is a place you can rest your broken heart.
Let me show you where and how.
How Do You know if Your Heart Needs Rest?
Not sure if your heart needs rest? Then take a moment to notice how you feel. Take a deep breath. Going through the daily demands can feel more tolerable if you numb yourself out, this is called dissociation. The way you can combat this is through awareness.
First notice what you’re feeling, then notice where you feel that in your body.
What do you feel, is it an emotion, idea, or sensation in your body? Noticing these things can be very helpful in finding out what's going on inside of that heart of yours. Does it feel like worry? Is it heavy? Tension in your shoulders or weight in your belly? Do your thoughts go to the worst outcome? Do you geet headaches?
These are all clues that point right to how you are doing.
A journaling practice is so helpful in so many ways. It helps you to externally process what is going on internally and externally. It also helps you find your natural rhythms. What do natural rhythms tell you? How do you find them? Then you can learn to notice when you are reacting to what’s going on around you.
Where Do You Hide Your Broken Heart?
So you know now what’s going on. You know what it feels like in your body and how you're reacting.
Now What?
Practice taking it to God. You will find comfort, and mending you never knew was possible. Take your worries and fear to him. Plead for Him to make a way. And then wait on Him. No matter how long it takes, no matter how it may feel like He’s forgotten, wait on Him.
Does God Care About My Broken Heart?
I am curious what you think of when you hear that God loves you. Does it feel true or impossible? If it feels true then does it feel like God's love is specifically for you or does it feel like He loves you because He created you- but it stops there?
That’s a lot of questions, but your answers are important.
Is God’s love collective or individual- in your opinion?
Read this verse! ⤵️
“You have searched me, Lord, and know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You search going out and my lying down, and are familiar with all my ways.”
Psalm 139:1-4
If you do not feel like God loves you at all, or that He doesn't love you specifically (but loves everyone) then I have this challenge for you. Think about how aware He is of you and your situation. He hasn't left you alone, even if it feels like He hasn't acted on your behalf- yet.
He knows- you, your circumstances, struggles, your heart, and what will come of this life of yours.
But maybe you don’t feel like you deserve that. But it is true because of who He is and not what you have done.
Maybe it doesn’t feel true but it is because He said it is.
Maybe you’re worried about what it may be like to have someone love you again- because of those who have left you or hurt you.
It takes time for you, not for Him. He is willing to be there for you with a LOVE that NEVER fails. He will show you who He is, and if you let Him, you will not regret it.
What does it mean to hide your broken heart?
Hiding your broken heart may not be something you're aware you need or know exactly how to do it. Hiding doesn't always mean that your heart is in a place no one can find. Although, not everyone should have access to your heart- especially those who have hurt it before. Hiding your heart means that you are seeking love and validation from someone who is safe and guarding your heart against those who threaten it.
How Do You Hide Your Broken Heart?
- Spend time with God by reading your Bible.
- Spend time with God in Prayer.
- Spend time with God through Worship.
- Spend time with God through Prayer Journaling.
- Seek God for your love and fulfillment.
What about Resistance?
As you start making a commitment to God, by spending more time with Him and learning to trust and walk with Him, there is a real enemy that will try to stop you.
It is important to remember that the enemy (the devil) is already a defeated foe. So, as you choose to draw near to God and things get hard and chaotic be prepared. Here are a few tactics to expect.
- Everyday chaos is like getting a cold, a blown tire, or an unexpected bill.
- Feelings of being really down and defeated.
- Tention in relationships.
- Confusion about things that seemed clear at one point or another.
This is not meant to scare you, but to help you become aware of how sometimes things feel a little difficult when we make progress. Jesus experienced spiritual warfare when He was fasting and alone in the desert. We too can resist the devil when we seek God and remind ourselves of the truth when deception comes.
Read this verse ⤵️
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:10-12
Jesus is the ultimate power and we all need Him to help us. Whether we are dealing with evil because we are in a fallen world or because we are under spiritual attack, we cannot overcome it alone.
My desire is that your heart is encouraged by knowing where to go and how to get there. God’s love is waiting for you, His child. He has not forgotten about you and knows just what your heart needs. My hope and prayer is that you learn to trust Him and seek HIm when you need rescuing.
