Broken-Hearted by Mayada Naami
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1, NIV).
Are You Broken-Hearted?
Are you in a season of pain and suffering? Many people today suffer abuse at the hands of another person, sometimes someone they trust and love. Some are victims of sexual/physical abuse and others are victims of emotional abuse. Sadly, many are children, and the abuse or trauma can affect their development and negatively distort their view of the world. They become frightened and feel unsafe, unloved, and unprotected which can be carried into future relationships—causing more pain and hurt. Some grow up and suffer depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and turn to alcohol, sex, or drugs.
This is the desire and goal of the enemy since the beginning of human existence. He wants fear and doubt to sever our intimate relationship with God. Fear is at the root of many of our problems. This fear, which develops from childhood, is in direct opposition to love. The Bible tells us “God is love” (John 4:16) and “There is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18), so one can safely say that fear is not of God. He never intended for us to live in fear. He created us to be in loving relationships. The very nature of God is to be in relationship, a caring committed connection between one person and another. Like God, we have a need to be connected. He created Adam and Eve so He could have a relationship with them. We were built to be connected; attachment is the core of the soul’s existence.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
(1 Peter 4:8, NIV)
Jesus’ heart beats close to the victim of abuse or trauma, especially the children. We are in a spiritual battle against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). The powers of darkness will constantly try to put out the Light of Truth in your life. The worldly ways of life will battle for your mind every day. Fight back! Fight for the freedom of your mind. “Repent”, translated from the Greek, simply means change your mind. God is merciful and wants you to accept His invitation of mercy. No more pain, anxiety, depression, or fear.
You are a beautiful child of God, and He is a loving Father who wants your heart to change. He wants you to turn your heart towards Him and towards each other. We are rebellious and disobedient children, but He is a loving and forgiving Father. Jesus was the ultimate victim. We were the ultimate abusers. Our sin nailed Him to the cross and yet He still loved and forgave us. Turn your broken heart towards your loving Father and let go of fear. You do not have to be a victim, the road to restoration is waiting for you. We serve a God who has overcome the world. Stay strong in your faith, and love others well.
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
(1 Corinthians 16:13–14, NIV)