Even when it hurts, God is with you. And he’s there to comfort you, to heal you and to restore your heart.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18

I’ve gone through really bad breakups. The kind that make you want to stay in bed all day, ruin your appetite, and make you feel like you’ll never laugh again. And the only thing that comforted me was to know that God was there with me.

Heartbreak comes in many different ways, not just in the loss of someone. It can be because of betrayal, deceit, or even rejection. But the Bible says that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

So if you are feeling that way, know that even when it hurts, the Lord is really close to you, even if it feels like he isn’t. Jesus, as a man on earth, experienced all the emotions that we do and knows what you are going through. He knows your pain, your disappointment, your confusion, your loneliness. And he not only wants to go through that with you, but he also wants to take it all away and restore your heart.

I want to encourage you to make this small prayer in the midst of whatever pain you are going through today:

Dear God I need you. My heart is a mess of shattered pieces and I don’t know how to find hope. I know my sadness isn’t your desire, but the pain is so real. Help me release some of it and find comfort in your love. Give me the strength I don’t have right now, and turn the pieces of my heart into a beautiful masterpiece. Allow me to feel your presence and to see the wonderful works you are doing through this pain. I put my trust in you. Amen.

‍Pray in community during 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.