Online Devotions: A Heart Of Pain Or Healing

Sunday, July 30, 2017

A Heart Of Pain Or Healing

July 30 (Matthew 12:34)

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (ESV)

Much, if not most, of what many, if not all people do comes from pain. Somewhere along the way we have received deep wounds to our hearts, and we have learned how to respond to diminish the pain. We become the life of the party or we lash out to hurt others. We control every aspect of our lives or we avoid all responsibility as we hide in addictions. Much that is good and much that is bad stems from the damage to our hearts, our core selves.

Perhaps this is why God talks so much about the human heart. Throughout the Bible God calls us to love Him with all our hearts. He wants to create in us new hearts, ones that are healed from the wounds out of which we try to live life on our own terms. It is why He is not interested in all the good things you may do if the reason for doing them is not pure.

This is not an excuse, of course, for sinful behavior, but can give us pause when others are acting in ways we do not like. They may well be acting from a place of deep pain. At the same time, we must look at our own hearts to see how much of what we do on a daily basis stems from brokenness or from healing. If the essence of who you are is proceeding from a response to pain, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the wounds that caused it and then take them to Jesus. He knows what it is like to be wounded, both physically and emotionally, and He can make you whole again.

Jesus, I have learned so many ways for dealing with the pain in my life, yet I am tired of seeking and taking my own medication. Show me the deep wounds of my heart, Lord, that I may present them to You for healing and restoration. Restore my heart and fill it with Your love and grace so that all I do and say comes from You and not my pain. Amen.

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.