Feb 18
Today’s Truth
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Last summer, our backyard deck reached its end. Peeling stain exposed bare wood. Once-stable steps began 
to wobble. Rotted boards chipped and crumbled. All we could do was hire a contractor to tear it all down with plans to build again.
Schedule conflicts led to a summer of messes and mud instead of a fresh space for colorful flowers and family gatherings outdoors. Summer gave way to autumn rains that filled the area with mucky water up to our shins. Winter snows now cover the rough soil still waiting for a sturdy deck and tidy landscaping. We’re feeling anxious for spring so we can build, plant, and restore what’s been broken.
While this mess has brought its share of frustrations, it’s nothing compared to the feeling of a broken heart. Each one of us will go through seasons where our lives and spirits feel hopelessly damaged beyond repair.
Persistent pain chips away at our trust in God’s love.
Conflict and rejection leave us lonely and insecure.
Setbacks and losses depress our emotions, leaving us exhausted and fragile.
We give ground to sin and suffer destructive consequences.
Doubts and confusion keep us from standing firm in faith.
Our identity as God’s daughters fades from view as we crumble under the pressure to please people and fit in.
We want to restore what’s broken in our relationship with God and others, but we don’t know where to begin.
If you’re feeling torn down and soul-tired today, take heart. God doesn’t leave us alone in the struggle. Instead, He shows us the path to renewal so we can be strong, whole, and sure of Him again.
First, God reminds us of His purpose for the pain. He repairs our sight so we can see problems from His perspective. In Hebrews 12, He encourages us to “endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children… [Discipline] produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (vv. 7,11). We can see each difficulty as a gateway to peace and maturity instead of pointlessness, emptiness and suffering. If we trust that our loving God is working for us in our pain, we regain the strength to endure.
Next, God raises up people to build us up when we’re tired and discouraged. He equips teachers and mature believers “who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Through spiritual leadership, we’re taught and re-taught the truths of God’s power and love. They keep our feet planted on the Word so we can stand firm when life feels out of control.
God also knits us into His family of believers who can lift us up when we’re breaking down in despair. They’re able to pray over us. To put courage in us to do what’s right. To provide for practical needs. To speak life-giving words that build trust in Jesus. We “carry each other’s burdens” and “do good” so we don’t walk the journey of faith and life alone (Galatians 6:2,10). Together, we can heal and be made new.
Most of all, God gives us His presence when we’re falling apart. We can hold on to His promise with both hands:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
You are not alone in what you’re suffering today. God hears your prayers for mercy and turns his ear to your cry (Psalm 116:1-2). He’s reaching out His hand to pull you out of the “slimy pit” and place your feet on solid ground (Psalm 40:2). You can be strong and courageous because the Lord is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
Put your hope in the One who “increases the power of the weak” and who “will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:29,31). The Builder is coming!
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, You know my heart is hurting. Life as I knew it seems broken beyond repair. Help me to trust You use every struggle for my good to build my strength and know Your peace. Raise up godly people to help carry my heavy burdens. Expand my faith to believe Your promises to stay with me, answer my prayers, and make all things new. Your love is life.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What relationship or situation in your life seems damaged beyond repair right now?
How might God be using this problem to show you more of His love and faithfulness?
How would you face your struggle differently if you believed God was with you and working to help you?
More from the Girlfriends
You want to grow strong, healthy relationships with your loved ones. You’re eager to know God and His Word more and more. You want to be equipped to serve God as His daughter.
That’s why Joanna Teigen and her husband, Rob, host the Growing Home Together podcast
. Each episode supports you with encouraging and honest interviews with overcomers who battled the same challenges you face. Find practical help to draw closer to God, grow a stronger family, and make a difference in the lives around you today.
© 2022 by Joanna Teigen. All rights reserved.
Thank you, Joanna, for writing this. 🙂
Tiffany, you’re so kind. God’s good Word is the best gift to us, isn’t it? May he bless you and your family today!
Thank you for today’s devotional, I’ve been trying to dig myself out of this depression hole for a couple years. Slowly, God is teaching me how.
I’m understanding his plan more and more everyday, just wanted to tell you that you truly lifted my spirits and made me know that I’m not alone in this down time.
Sharlene, you’re in my heart as I have also battled the pain of depression in my life. I’m praying for God to make Himself known to you as your healer, your comfort, and your true friend who never leaves your side. How beautiful that God is leading your life and revealing that He is preparing the way for you to move forward. You are right–you are never alone because of His constant love and your sisters in Jesus here who care for you, too! God’s blessings on you, my friend.
Todo acabará pronto.
Yes! God promises to come to us in our pain. Tears may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. God bless you my sister.
Thank you for your devotion. I lost my husband in September. My heart is broken. Since my husband passing, everything has went wrong. Please keep me in your prayers. God is the one who has helped me with me with comfort and peace. If I didn’t have God in my life I couldn’t have made it you. Thank you, Anna…
Anna, I am sorrowing with you for the loss of your husband. I can only imagine how many challenges you have been facing in the past months. I’m praying with you for God to draw near and give you strength, help, and hope for tomorrow. I’m asking for His comfort to fill your soul and His power to fix what seems broken around you right now. Your trust in Him to care for you inspires my faith, too. God bless you, my sister!
Thank you
I am overwhelmed and broken due to a major housing transition that is not by choice – lease ended, not renewed, moving to a temporary place for 30 days and then to a rental that is 50% more in rent. I pray for God to order my steps and continuity to provide.
At the same time my ex-husband called (1st time in more
Than an year), looking for a hot shower as he is homeless. Is this the severed relationship?
I needed this devotion today as I was on the couch crying and searching for a devotion and I remembered Girlfriends in God.
Thank you
Sharyn, I’m praying for God to give you His peace and provide all you need as you move into a new rental. It’s so challenging to be uprooted and face expenses outsideour control. I pray also that God will give you the discernment you need to navigate your relationship with your ex-husband. I pray God puts His shield around you and keeps you from harm in every part of your life. God bless you, and thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you Joanna for this lovely devotion that spoke straight to my heart. Circumstances in life are breaking my heart though I do believe that God is with me through it all. Your prayer became my prayer and I cast my burdens onto my dear Lord. Tonight this is what I needed to hear. Praise God and thank you for being his instrument to me and all who read these devotionals.
Irene, I’m sorry you’re going through this time of pain and struggle. I’m praying with you for God to carry your burden and give you what you need, moment by moment. Thank you for encouraging us with your trust in Him to see you through.
Today I told the Lord I’m spiritually,physically,and mentally broken. I feel so alone despite what’s written in the word. I couldn’t grasp hold of any comfort praying,half reading and studying like I need to. My husband is ill. It is tearing my family apart because of the care he requires. Tonight I stumble upon your blog. I knew that the Lord was speaking to me. Tears roll down my face. Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge to reach hurting people who has lost hope.
Mary, my heart is with you and your family as you face so many struggles with your husband’s illness. What a precious God we serve that He speaks when we need Him most.
Lord, wrap your arms around Mary today. Restore her family to oeness as they work through all the difficulties of caring for her husband. Place your healing hand on his body and give the family strength to serve and meet his needs. Fill them with patience and compassion for one another. Most of all, may each of them lean on you for wisdom, strength, and hope in this hard season. Make your love known every moment. Amen.
Psalm 51:17
New International Version
17 My sacrifice,(A) O God, is[a] a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart(B) you, God, will not despise.
I was reminded of that verse above. I
thank God for alayws being here for me. I pray that we stay close to God and even if we feel discourage or broken that we will remember that we can come to His throne boldly