Seems an odd post title on this day before Valentine’s Day, doesn’t it? Before the vision of a lonely and dejected young woman, surrounded by chocolates she bought for herself, settles uncomfortably in your mind, read on!
I ran across a verse in Joel this week that has been reading itself over and over in my mind:
Joel 2:13 NIV
intransitive verb: to perform an act of tearing or splitting; to become torn or split
transitive verb: to tear as a sign of grief or despair
Before we “rend” our hearts, they are what they are: simultaneously, an organ pumping blood throughout our bodies and the “seat” of our emotions, our very soul. They are for us and focused on us. We may love others, but it’s only with the capacity that is allowed from a “me-perspective” heart. After we tear our hearts before God, He first does that healing work, but then, something else happens. It reminds me of this story in Matthew 14:
16Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18“Bring them here to me,” he said. 19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Isn’t it the same with our hearts? When we rend our hearts – tear and break them before our Father – we allow Him to put His healing and miraculous touch on them, moving them out of their limited “me-perspective”, and using them to love in ways, and to lengths, which are not humanly possible.
So, on this day before Valentine’s Day, I consider the overwhelming beauty of a rended – a broken – heart, and how, through it, this one day on the calendar has the potential to move far beyond the heart-shaped box of chocolates to reach a broken world.
Beautiful.
Very insightful and comforting to read. My last post was on heartache because of the loss of a precious little girl named Cora that has so deeply affected me this week. I have been challenged and have been in prayer about this all week. Your post really spoke to me. Thank you.
Amazingly beautiful words!!
I love this. It is truly in my brokenness that He is able to come and restore, renew, and remake my heart into something that is so much better than what He had to work with initially. Father, rend my heart! May I be broken at Your feet, Oh God, so that You can move powerfully in my life!
Mine has been torn in multiple directions this week for the sake of the kingdom. I am weary worn and in need of one of the left-over baskets. Thankfully, I know exactly where to go for the feeding.
Thanks for your prayers, Melinda. It means so very much to me.
Happy Love Day to you and yours.
peace~elaine
Wonderful post, Melinda. I especially liked the last couple of paragraphs. A beautiful message.
Thank you for this beautifully written post. What a great reminder that God takes our brokeness and uses it for good.
The title compliments your whole writing…the beauty of a broken heart.
His beauty flowing not only outward onto others, but also inward for our own healing.
Love and Happy Valentine’s Day Friend!
Your post for today has certainly been an inspiration to me. You have a beautiful blog and by that I can tell you are a beautiful person. I am so glad that I found your blog today. Have a great day..
Vikki
That is beautiful girl! Thanks for posting that.
Much love,
Angela
I so needed this today. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used to reach others. You have touched me with the wisdom and truth of the message.
Greetings Melinda,
I was invited to view your blog by Jean at her blog: ‘Conversation With God’ Yes, I will add your button to pray for a change for pro-life and I will spread the word. I agree; and also stated with Jean that we do need all the prayer we can get about this, especially with Obama and new history in the making. Pray, heavy, heart-felt prayer, is in such demand in this world and the Spiritual world. I added myself to your follower if that’s okay; I invite you to follow me as well. I enjoy having Christ followers to check in on and bond through Him. I am a firm believer that we can all learn from one another.
~Sarah Cecilia