The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite Spirit. Mary are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:18-19
Mom was just a little girl when her parents divorced. They decided to divide the time equally. So, mom spent six months with one and six months with the other. That meant this little girl would never complete a year in any school. Unable to truly make friends because of the constant transferring, she became very lonely.
When living with her mother, she had nicer clothes. As it is with child, she wanted and longed for her mother’s love. Often though her mother was preoccupied both with her work and her own social life. As a child, she would sometimes go to the movies only to walk home alone through the streets of Detroit to enter an empty house. Wanting to feel her mother’s presence, she would sit in her mother’s closet; because, there she could smell the aroma of her presence.
From Riches to Rags
Sometimes during the summer, she would be sent to her grandmother’s house in Tennessee. Her grandmother was a hardworking, country lady. There was no refrigeration and meats were salt cured. The ice truck would bring around blocks of ice.
When with her father, her clothes were less, and her life was completely different. Her step-mother was not a warm or affectionate woman, adding to mom’s loneliness as a child. Although by the time I came to know my grandfather, he spoke a lot about God’s grace; he was very strict and somewhat legalistic during the years of mom’s childhood. At least that was the impression Mom received.
A young broken heart finds Salvation
A young broken heart yearned to be loved and to find a sense of belonging. Yet, it was this young broken heart that God drew nigh. There might be years of afflictions to come; yet, through it all God had a plan. At the age of twelve, mom accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior, changing her eternity forever. God would be the anchor that steadied her through all the storms that were yet to come.
At the age of sixteen, her father, perhaps out of fear; began to tell her that her mother was a woman of ill repute. That lead to mom’s first emotional breakdown. Although an excellent student, she quit school. Many years later, she got her GED; but, she always regretted not finishing high school. Ah, but history sometimes tends to repeat itself. Mom, also fearing I might sin; pushed me into a horrible marriage at age 16. I did finish high school and even went onto college; but, I also started down a long road to recover from many a broken heart.
God’s Sovereign Grace
In both cases, God was there drawing nigh. He would through the years lead mom ever closer to Him. For me, God had a perfect plan through the depth of brokenness. A Broken and Contrite Heart, I wrote to tell that story. The story of how a God of Grace can take all the broken pieces of our life and weave together a beautiful portrait of Himself. He can take all the sorrows, the tears, feelings of rejection, and even our failures to bring us closer to Him. There, in His presence, is fullness of joy.
Whatever broken road we may have traveled; it has led both mom and me into God’s presence. He is the rock and fortress of our lives. Furthermore, He is the greatest treasure. We may not fully comprehend the trials of this world; however, it is God’s Love and Grace which allowed them all. Only He knew what it would take to not only save our soul for eternity; but, to also transform our heart to one who can see glimpses of His Glory.
Concluding Thought
Is your heart broken today? Do you look back and wonder at all the sorrows of your lifetime? What about those failures of your past? Look to Jesus, for He is drawing you near. Only in Him is joy, hope, peace and eternal life. He loved you so much, He left His throne, suffered and died to pay your penalty for sin, rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for you today.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here
Or if you would like to tell me your story or thoughts comment here
Do You Want to Know the Secret to Abiding Steadfast Joy?
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
ANOTHER Book Available
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Photo by Trym Nilsen on Unsplash
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