A Simple Exercise to Break Open–and Heal–Our Hearts
Be hungry for healing.
Be expectant for hope.
Do not despair.
Do not be afraid.
I am here.
It is important to be hungry for healing and expectant of hope. This isn’t always easy. Our hearts ache so often. We feel our humanness, our vulnerability and our weakness. We may feel our brokenness and yet not know the first thing to do.
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8: 22-23, NIV).
This world breaks our hearts, and God sent Jesus, to mend them again.
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6, NIV)/
“My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm 119:81, NIV).
As we begin this time of encounter, let’s run into God’s love and hide there. We ache to be refreshed and renewed.
First, breathe deeply for a few minutes. And as we breathe, let’s pray, consecrating this time to God and surrendering to him each worry and concern, each relationship we care about and every problem we face.
Father, thank you for being here and for holding me. I consecrate my mind and heart to you. Lead me now. Fill me with you. I give you every worry, problem, and concern…..
With your eyes closed, remain in this posture of relaxation and focus for a few minutes, breathing deeply, in and out.
Lord, I give you my imagination. Sanctify it with your love. Let me see you, hear you, and feel you. I know you are here. Your love fills me….
In the challenges of life, the challenges of being human, we are hungry for healing, for wholeness, and for every wound to be addressed and bound in Jesus’ love. To begin this encounter today, we heard Holy Spirit say this:
Be hungry for healing.
Be expectant for hope.
Do not despair.
Do not be afraid.
I am here.
What questions do you have for Him about these words? In your journal, write those down and what He says back.
Here is a sample personal conversation:
What should this look like, Lord? What will this hunger and expectation require?
Break your heart open.
But isn’t my heart already breaking?
My act of breaking open a heart does not result in a broken heart the way you think. I break open hearts to heal them, to make them mine–whole and stronger. Greater vulnerability is required. It hurts to feel, but this feeling is not logical. Trust your heart and what it knows, what it has always known.
Father, what does my heart know?
Ask me. Ask me what your heart knows. I will show you and teach you how to hear what it is saying. I will teach you its language, and with this learning, you will develop the heart’s listening skills.
Why? Why is this important, Lord?
You will find solace in this place of listening. You will find me there, in the deeper place.
For the next 20 minutes or so, stay in a quiet place with God and listen to him with all your heart. Consider listening to soft, instrumental music as a helpful way to block out distractions and keep you focused. You might also want to write your conversation with God in your journal.
Stay here with Him. Lean in. He is with you. Let’s go with Him to the deeper place.
Amen.
