“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

If there is one thing I’m certain of, it’s the inevitable heartbreak and loss we will face in this life. The kind of devastation we didn’t see coming, the kind we’re unsure if we will survive.

We’ve all prayed the desperate prayers asking God, Do You see me? Why are You not intervening? Can You not see how much I’m hurting? I understand these prayers. I’ve let them leave my lips more times than I can count.

Yes, when the expectation of what you thought your life would be and the reality you’re living don’t match up, it’s heartbreaking. And the heartbreak you’re carrying makes it not just difficult but nearly impossible to find God’s hand in the midst of it.

I used to think I had to force a fake smile and muster up the courage to carry on in the middle of what was breaking my heart. That I had to hold it all together and have everything perfectly in line.

But I don’t think that’s what God wants for us at all. I am more convinced than ever that God sees. He knows what’s happening. He will not be mocked by what others may be doing to you. And He intimately cares about every detail of what you’re walking through.

Look at the hope offered in our key verse today: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Personalizing the original language for this verse, you could read it like this: The Lord draws near to the one who’s had her heart shattered and delivers her from exposed grief to victory.

I’m learning that, sometimes, trading grief for victory means choosing to see what is instead of being blinded by what isn’t. It’s a tough choice in some moments. Brutal, actually. But it’s a battle that is worth fighting.

We don’t have to let what breaks our hearts destroy our lives.

This breaking of you will be the making of you. A new you. A stronger you. Strengthened not with the pride of perfection but with the sweet grace of one who knows an intimate closeness with her Lord.

He draws you near despite the sharp evidence of your grieving heart. The anger. The deep disappointment and disillusionment. The questions of why you, and why now? The comparisons that make you feel as though God loves other people more. The crying and banging your fist on the steering wheel. The shame and anguish. All of these are shards of being shattered.

But God isn’t afraid of your sharp edges that may seem quite risky to others. He doesn’t pull back. He pulls you close. His love and grace cover your exposed grief. And step by step, He leads you to a new place of victory. Today is part of that process.

So today …

Thank God for the gift of this day.

Enjoy today despite the messiness.

Receive the blessing of this day.

Dance it out at least one time today.

Fill in the gaps with prayer throughout the day.

And remember there is so much more to this one incredible life than the sum total of our heartbreaks.

Father God, thank You for the way You tenderly minister to the shattered places in my heart. I’m so grateful You are able to use every heartbreak in my life for good. I am choosing to believe today that You are leading me to a place of strength and victory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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While there’s no denying there are parts of our story we’d love to edit out, what if those circumstances are the unlikely ingredients God is using to weave together a greater good we’d never want to miss out on? Start finding hope in the midst of the most painful chapters of your story when you order Lysa TerKeurst’s new devotional book, Seeing Beautiful Again, here.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

James 4:8a, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (NKJV)

Take a moment to reflect on today’s devotion. When you’re feeling hurt and broken, remember that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. When we invite Him close, He always accepts our invitation. Write a prayer today inviting Him to draw near in the middle of what you are facing.

And share your thoughts with us in the comments!

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