Crushed!

While working on getting a book published I still lacked the artwork and so I called Bruce,* my project manager, to find out the status.  When he answered the phone, it was obvious by the tone in his voice that he was stressed.  Instead of diving into my request, I asked him how he was doing.  Bruce sighed and then shared.  “I’m going through a divorce . . . my house flooded and I’m having to replace the flooring in several rooms and it is not covered by insurance.  I’m not sure if I can get a loan.  I have an ulcer . . . my mother died and left me her house in a trust but one of the trustees was dishonest and it turned out that there is a lien on the home for unpaid debt . . .  ​

​Meditation
Psalm 34:18--The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.
 
After listening to Bruce, I realized my project needed to be shelved at that moment; that my friend was in deep pain.  I quietly asked him if I could pray for him and he readily agreed.  Then we went before the merciful throne of God and asked our Father in heaven for His help.   
            
Sometimes we forget compared to others how blessed we are.  Yes, we have setbacks, difficulties and challenges but for the most part life is manageable.  It is much different when the walls come crashing down on top of us.  Bruce was not facing minor issues, he was crushed in spirit.  My heart is heavy for him because I’m sure in his mind he can see no joy or victory coming anytime soon.  That’s what it means to be brokenhearted—to be completely enveloped in grief and sorrow.
            
How often do we realize that the Lord wants to use us to come alongside those who are suffering?  Paul wrote the Corinthian church, “He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Co. 1:4).  God comforts us and we use that comfort to comfort others—powerful! 
            
​Praise God that no crushing for His children is permanent.  We may be flattened, pounded, pulverized, minced, shredded, hashed, and chopped but we will recover.  We can sing with David, “He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure” (Psalm 40:2).  We can sing with Kutless their song In Jesus’ Name: 
In Jesus’ name there is freedom for the broken, 
In Jesus’ name there is healing for the hopeless 
For all our days we rest in Jesus’ name.  
Remembering this truth, let’s be faithful to lift up those who are feeling crushed.    
            
Inspiration
If through a broken heart God can bring His purposes to pass in the world, then thank Him for breaking your heart.—Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest
 
*Not his real name
 
©2020 Daniel York ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)