Daily devotional, April 16, 2024 Through the cracks

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

One of the most common offenses of the children of my generation is breaking something at home. It could be a flower vase, a figurine, a plate or a favorite mug. Out of fear balanced with child-like hope, we try to fix the broken thing by piecing it together. But we all know that this is close to impossible. And even if it can be done, the cracks would show.

Followers of Jesus like us, have or will experience brokenness at one or even several points in our life. It is a given fact that we will go through challenges and difficulties, even if we have anchored our lives in the Lord. In the Gospel of John,  our Savior Himself told us that such seasons are part of our earthly existence:

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." 
John 16:33

The problems that we have gone through usually change how we live our lives. It can traumatize us, cause us to get depressed or anxious, and can leave wounds that take long to heal. Some come out victorious and resilient, while others have a hard time coping. It can alter our mindset either positively or negatively depending on how we take it.

Truth be told though, traumatic events, which shatter our sense of attachment and security, hardly cause someone to feel positive right away. It usually takes time to get back to our normal selves — if we ever will. And so the scientific community usually recommends relaxation techniques that could at least negate our stress levels.

Psychotherapist Anne Power suggests that when we are about to go into full-on stress mode we should try to regulate our emotions by slowing down. She says we have to consciously try to breathe slowly and lower our heart rate, explaining “when we feel safe, that is when learning can take place,” hence we can discover opportunities for growth.

But what should we feed our mind as we try to slow down and relax our pace? What do we tell ourselves amidst the chaos around us, and the developments that shake us to our core? How do we move on victoriously amid the problems?

One good story in the Old Testament was the context of how Psalm 43 was written. In the midst of his depression, King David, reflected and tried to calm himself down. He wrote:

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God." Psalm 43:5

Through His brokenness, King David tried to make sense of his situation. He tried to calm himself by anchoring his hope on the Lord. The Lord who to King David’s mind, has the power to vindicate him, and take him out of the darkness that he is in.

"Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God." Psalm 43:3-4

Going through sadness, fears, and anxieties are not a sign that we have a weak faith. As one Jesuit said “the beauty of believing is not in the absence of doubt but in the courage to respond in faith even in the midst of the tension of unbelief, uncertainty, and brokenness.”  That as we reel from our fears, grief and anxiety brought about our brokenness, he said that we should allow Christ’s light to shine through our cracks.

One of the most quoted verses in the bible can be found at Matthew chapter 11, where Jesus calls on the weary to come to Him:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Let us heed our Savior’s invitation to lay our fears, and anxieties on His feet. He may choose to not solve our problems right away, but He will definitely respond the best way He could, and for our own good. Let us slow down, and take our time to talk to Jesus about our cares and concerns. Let us listen to what He has to say by intentionally seeking Him through bible reading and reflection, regular churchgoing, and fellowshipping with other followers. Let us fill our minds with His love, because like any creation in this world, only our Creator can perfectly mend our brokenness.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." 
Isaiah 53:5

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 43  to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Is your brokenness keeping you from reaching out to God?

Conversation with the Lord:  Heavenly Father, thank you for being there for us. For allowing us to anchor on your love so that we will not be swept away by the storms of our lives. Give us a trusting heart, so that we too can help others to trust more in you. Amen.