Healing For The Broken

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 brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.

Isaiah 61:1

Brokenness can mean many things. It can be a dish that fell on the floor. It can be something not working properly. It can be a loss for the zest of life, when we cannot get out of bed because we don’t see the point. Depression can feel like we are broken, and it’s a brokenness that can be hard to describe. All we know is that we are not ourselves. Even though we cannot always articulate what is happening inside us, God knows where to meet us.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah was called into service just as the Assyrian Empire began to expand, which was a threat to Israel. As Israel recognized this growing threat, they became fearful and distraught. God sent Isaiah to give them words of encouragement. In the New Testament, Jesus read Isaiah 61:1–2 at the synagogue in Nazareth and told the people “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21), meaning he was the fulfillment of that prophecy.

The Lord wanted to comfort his people when they were facing a physical threat, but he is also there to help with our emotional wounds. When God puts into motion a plan for healing, we experience the gift of “beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:3).

All of us have broken areas of our lives. But God is our great comforter and healer, and he can bring the deep emotional healing that leads to hope and new life.

Do not grudge the Hand that is molding the still too shapeless image within you. It is growing more beautiful, though you see it not, and every touch of temptation may add to its perfection.

Henry Drummord

When God is involved, anything can happen. Be open. Stay that way. God has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords.

Chuck Swindoll

We will stand amazed to see the topside of the tapestry and how God beautifully embroidered each circumstance into a pattern for our good and his glory.

Joni Eareckson Tada

For Further Reflection

Luke 4:16–22; Psalm 46:1–3; Isaiah 61:1–3

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I bring you all my broken pieces and leave them in your hands, trusting that you will put me back together in a way that brings you glory. Amen.