Encouragement For Heavy Hearts

My heart has been heavy lately. Not void of joy, not empty of sweet friends or funny moments, but I’ve felt an underlying heaviness most days. My family was recently hit by the COVID virus, and it has taken a while to start feeling physically strong again. The virus took a toll on my husband especially, and it’s been hard to see the lingering side effects make this strong man visibly weak.

My heart feels heavy.

I’m texting with a dear friend whose husband is fighting for his life in the same hospital where my husband was admitted for a few days. We long for his body to strengthen and heal from this virus.

My heart feels heavy.

I watch sobering footage of the violent ambush on our nation’s capital.

My heart feels heavy.

I sign onto facebook and read belligerent comments. Two people who don’t even know each other, but who each need to have the last word.

My heart feels heavy.

I receive a note from a young woman who is “stepping away” from the church because she can’t accept what the Scripture teaches.

My heart feels heavy.

But as heavy as my heart feels, I feel equally encouraged in these quiet moments. I’m not encouraged by fallible words from friends or family, but I’m uplifted by the eternal and perfect truths from my heavenly father. These are not truths deserving of a quick listen, but they warrant our full attention and meditation. These truths should not be used to belittle pain or suffering, but they should be shared with the firm belief that God’s words are powerful enough give hope to the hopeless, and they are comforting enough to bring real and lasting peace to those who are distraught.

The Lord is Sovereign Over All

Be encouraged when you are afraid.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 “As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.” Who am I to question the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who is surprised by nothing, has created all things, is in control of today’s details, and who holds tomorrow in His hands? Our Lord is working powerfully in and through all things, and nothing is out of His control.

The Lord is Steadfast

Be encouraged when you feel overwhelmed

Lamentations 3:22, 23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His steadfast love and mercy overflows daily, pouring over His beloved and soaking them with his constant faithfulness and tender comfort. Hallelujah to the Lamb whose love never falters, even when we feel crushed.

The Lord is Our Refuge

Be encouraged when you are anxious.

Psalm 46: 1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Our creator is not just present in our sufferings, but He is very present. He is as close as our breath. He welcomes our frustrations, our confusion, and our anxieties. Throw them all onto Jesus. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (The Message, Matthew 11:28-30).

The Lord is Just

Be encouraged when the evil doers prosper.

Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Put a bridle on your anger knowing that justice will roll down like a mighty river. Wait in His presence with patience, and don’t fret. Speak the truth in love, hold fast to your faith, and know that the testimony of a believer in Christ is most affective when words are extended with kindness and humility.

The Lord Delights in His Children

Be encouraged when you feel alone.

Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Jesus’ love for you is incomprehensible. This mighty one offers inexplainable peace in the face of great hardship and profound joy in life’s most beautiful moments. God’s love is expressed through the hands and feet of beloved friends who hold us up when fierce winds are too strong to stand against. And it’s felt through the seasons of reprieve after living through the storm. He sings loudly over you because His love cannot be contained. Hear the voice of Jesus in the midst of the storm, and follow Him through it.

The Lord is Your Strength

Be encouraged when you feel weary.

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” In weakness we labor on through the power of Christ in us. We don’t move forward by our own wisdom or strength, but by the power of Jesus who is able to do more than we can even begin to imagine. It’s this power that enables us to have joy in the midst of sorrow, hope in the face of injustice, and peace in the surrounding chaos.

The Lord Will Come Again!

The power at work in us is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. To HIM be the glory in days when our sorrows are heavy enough keep us from standing, and to HIM be the glory in days filled with abundance of joy and laughter. Lift your drooping hands, raise your weak knees, and be encouraged by the empty cross. Jesus reigns, and He will one day return to make all things new again. This is not a myth or a guess, but this is the great reality for those who are in Christ. Be encouraged heavy hearts!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, 
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, 
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”