The condition of my heart matched the weather conditions outside as I drove my children home from school through the steady rain and dreary clouds. Bringing my children to and from school each day is precious, almost sacred, time to me as we enjoy captured moments together to talk, listen, sing and pray. This day, however, my heart ached with fresh wounds. I silently cried out to the Lord while Joshua and Gabrielle munched on a snack and conversed contently between themselves.
A few minutes later, Gabrielle was in the kitchen excitedly handing me a paper heart she had made for me instead of going outside to jump in puddles. Gabrielle’s caring heart and artistic gifts are always a delight. On this rainy day, this hand-made gift served an even greater purpose.
As her precious hand lifted the paper heart up to mine, I noticed the heart had scissor cuts all through it, and I thought to myself that it didn’t look very pretty that way. Graciously taking the heart from her and kissing her head in thanks, I met my eyes with hers and she said, “Mommy, I made this heart for you. I put cuts in the heart because I thought the heart would be more beautiful that way.” Immediately, tears rolled down my face. I felt the Lord quiet my heart with His love and say to me, “
Noticing my tears of amazement, Gabrielle asked why I started to cry, and I told her that it was because God just told me that He loved me through the heart she made. My child’s delight in the promise of fresh rain and the beauty of a broken heart had ministered His love to me.
Dear Lord, through your grace let my heart abide in You always. Keep my heart teachable and humble before You. Give me the willingness to trust You through the pain, knowing that you are doing a beautiful work in my heart. Hold fast to me, My refuge and strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Listen to or Read Today's P31 Radio Show
Application Steps:
Pray and ask God to reveal any dirt in your heart. Also ask Him to send you a reminder that you are loved by Him.
Reflections:
Have you received criticism lately? Have you asked God whether or not it was founded?
“He will quiet you with His love.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
6 Comments:
Thank you for this! This is what I needed to read today, after the last couple of days!
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting."PS 139: 23&24
Yes Lord, search me. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. I know that when I submit myself to You my life is so much sweeter. I give You my day and all my plans. Help me to glorify You in everything I do today. Help me to serve my family with a good heart, a joyous heart. Keep "the dirt" out of my heart and mind.
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Sharon,
Your devotion is beautiful. Thank you for the reminder that God doesn't waste anything that can be used for our good, even pain.
Amy
God has allowed me to also have my heart wounded on more than one occasion. You wonder why He would allow that to happen? Your devotion was so encouraging. I can see how God has used the pain to change my heart...to make me less judgemental, more compassionate, more patient, more beautiful. I am humbled at the work He still has left to do on me, but trust in His promise that He will not quit until I'm "done"! Thanks so much for the devotion. It really encouraged me this morning and helped me to start the day focused.
Thank you for this devotional. It is so helpful as because it is such a great reminder of God's love for us.
I thank you, Lord, for Your love and healing in my heart and life. I could not have continued without Your presence in my life.
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