At the start of Jesus’s ministry, He took the scroll in the synagogue and read that He was the fulfilment to Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 61, part of which read “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is 61:3). Ps 147 says “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”(Ps 147:3). Matt 12:20 says “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.” All of these verses offer tremendous encouragement and hope to us when we are hurting or suffering.
Life is sometimes more painful than we care to admit. At times we are weary beyond words and hurting more than we can describe. It’s important for us to realise that “the LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Ps 34:18)
Being broken is never pleasant, but it is a place where we most readily meet with God. Matthew tells us “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matt 23:12) Proverbs has much to say about pride and humility and we know that “God mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed” (Prov 3:34). Sometimes, it’s only in that place of brokenness that we find true humility and draw close to God.
If you’re hurting right now and feel that no one understands your pain, know that Jesus is that great High Priest who knows what it is to be human and who can fully enter into your pain and has the power to bind up the broken-hearted. He is close to all who are in distress. He loves us more than we can imagine. He is there with us in it all, never leaving us, never forsaking us.