parable

i received this email from my paster today and thought it was a good message:

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.

MESSAGE:

God's heart breaks for those who are experiencing pain and heartache. He draws close in those moments and gives Himself to us.

APPLICATION

We are tempted to think God has walked away or abandoned us when we go through dark valleys in life. We feel abandoned, sometimes angry. God doesn't always intervene in the circumstances of life in ways that we would demand. I'm sure there are many brokenhearted people affected by the tragedy at Virginia Tech who wonder "Where was God?" That's when we need to realize we are not living in paradise. We are living in a fallen, broken, sin-filled world. In this world we will come face to face with evil. Satan wants to use the dark moments of our darker nature to turn us away from God. Satan wants to lie to us in those moments -- whispering doubts in our ear. That's when we need to stand bold in the faith and realize that God is there in every tear that falls and every heart that breaks. God is there, offering His comfort, strength, guidance and peace. He is giving us His presence. We so often lose sight of God and His power because we concentrate on the circumstances and pain in our lives instead of concentrating on His presence in the midst of pain. This is not heaven. That's obvious. But there will come a day when God will fully establish His Kingdom (Revelation 21) and we will experience all the fullness of God in heaven. That's a day when God will right all wrongs. That's a day when everything will be made right. That's a day we must all be preparing for by surrendering our lives to Jesus.

PRAYER

Father, help me and others realize how close you are in moments of pain and heartache. Help us not fall prey to the doubts that are whispered in our ears in the midst of hurt and tragedy. I know you are moving toward that day when you will make all things right and your presence will be seen, felt and experienced like never before! In Jesus, Name, Amen.

Matthew Hartsfield
Van Dyke Church