Today, I was reflecting on several broken relationships that I have been experiencing. Lifelong relationships that are a consistent source of pain and grief, often leaving me feeling inadequate, misunderstood, and broken. As I pondered these things, I suddenly saw my heart. It leapt out at me very unexpectedly.
I saw it first as a ball. It opened and I saw roads and landscape within it. Then I saw my actual heart and all the different valves where things should be moving freely…but some were obstructed. It was a visual representation of what happens to us when we have foundational relationships that are damaged, unhealthy, or broken…or if we have relationships later in life that are unhealthy for long amounts of time. These things create clogged arteries, if you will. Blockages. Places where it’s difficult to feel love.
Many of us have these obstructions in our hearts, and if they are left unattended, they eventually cause greater problems, like bitterness. Dealing with them is a must if we truly want to live free and full lives.
The hardest part about broken relationship is that we undoubtedly have affection for the one or ones who are hurting us. That fact makes things so much more complicated…especially if those people are family. Still, if we want to move in the fullness of God’s desires for our lives, we must face the hard things.
Again, I say, hard does not equal bad. Hard is simply hard…and most of the time dealing with hard things equals growth.
Are you ready to face the heart blockages in your life?
Today is the day to inquire of God…to ask if you have clogged places that are making it difficult to grow and build new relationships with others. Do you have some places that need movement so that bitterness doesn’t begin to root in? Walking out forgiveness is exponentially harder when your heart is out of order. Now is the time to allow God to do heart surgery. Now is the time to allow Him to see the pain you’ve been hiding from Him. He has been waiting for this very moment, to set you free.
Let’s pray…
God, I hand my heart to You now. Would You please show me any places within it that are hindered from freely flowing. Lord, remove all blockages of hurt, resentment, bitterness, pain, etc. that obstruct me from giving and receiving love and forgiveness. I surrender to Your hand of justice and forfeit my own. You are my Protector. You are the Truth I seek. Rewire my brain in these places so I can think clearly and hear Your voice accurately. Forgive me for any time I have caused another’s heart to be obstructed. Help those people whom I have hurt to be healed and restored fully. Now, lead us all into fullness. Help us to receive Your goodness. Thank You for Your loving kindness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12
365 Days in the Presence 