He Heals the Brokenhearted

Psalm 147 vv1-6

Praise the Lord!

For it is good to sing praises to our God;

    for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting

The Lord builds up Jerusalem;

    he gathers the outcasts of Israel.

He heals the brokenhearted

    and binds up their wounds.

He determines the number of the stars;

    he gives to all of them their names.

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;

    his understanding is beyond measure.

The Lord lifts up the humble;

    he casts the wicked to the ground.

While this time of the year is filled with the joy of our Savior, we often struggle with depression. Inevitably, loved ones pass, trials fall upon us, and a cloud moves over this time of year for many.

The Psalmist of Psalm 147 reminds us to take solace in the Lord. Christ is our Shepherd, our shield against the elements. In Him, we are reminded of the resurrection. We often worry for those who have passed, having seen their rejection of the Lord, but let us remember not even we truly know our hearts, only God knows our hearts. I believe in deathbed professions of faith. Our God is forgiving, and the sudden realization of the Savior, gifted by the Spirit, and profession of faith and repentance is all that is needed for grace to be given.

How can I believe this, you say? Remember the parable of the workers in Matthew 20. The landowner paid everyone who worked for him a Denarius no matter how long they worked, be it ten hours or one hour. The grace of the Lord is not bestowed over time. The one who was justified 20 years ago, is justified no more than the one of yesterday. Our growth comes in our sanctification.

If you are feeling the “pains” of the season, remember the Psalmist's words: God binds and heals our wounds; in Him, the brokenhearted are healed. God is all-powerful, and Christ walked in our form in creation and experienced the joys and sorrows you experience right now. Be humble before Him and pray for healing. Pray for the teachings of the Spirit that remind and give us an understanding of our Savior's grace and mercy for those who believe in grace and mercy, which are new every day.

Lost your way? He is the Shepherd and is looking for you. If you do not know Jesus, call out to Him and open your heart. He will come into your life and dine with you at His table.

Grace and Peace!