Today was just an average day in the life of a Christian school administrator. But as I was reflecting on the events of the past 24 hours, my heart was getting heavier by the minute. In one single day, I was made aware of a whole boat load of very discouraging news. It was a litany of sadness.

There was the mom who is trying to regain custody of her children. There was the other mom who has custody but nowhere to live. There was the adult child who is still struggling to come to grips with the sins of her aging father; and the aging grandfather that would love to rescue his grandkids from an abusive situation.

There was the family whose marriage is in jeopardy. And the other family whose divorce is so acrimonious that the children have had to go on government insurance in order to get health care. There’s a couple who can no longer even tolerate emailing each other. The teacher has to be the go between.

There’s the mom with breast cancer and the dad with prostate cancer. There’s the family that lost their home and had to move into a tiny apartment with their in-laws. There’s the alumni who had a terrible work place accident and needs my prayers.

They are all heart breaking!

But to this list of discouraging reminders that we all live in a fallen world, I might add this note about brokenness. It has a purpose (Rom. 5:3-5). I don’t always know what that purpose is, but I trust my heavenly Father, and He does.

An old illustration book of mine had this entry about brokenness. “A rabbi was asked a question by a pupil, referring to Deuteronomy 6:6-‘and these words which I command thee this day, shall be upon your heart.’ Why is it said this way?’ the pupil asked. ‘Why are we not told to place them in our heart?’ The rabbi answered that it is not within man’s power to place the divine teachings directly in his heart. All that we can do is place them on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks, they will drop in.”

Maybe the days ahead in this week will be tough for you. Maybe you or someone you know will have to wade through a slew of sadness. Remind them of the rabbi’s words. Their broken heart truly is a portal for the word of God. The encouragement that is needed can be found on the pages of God’s love letter. Let them sink in.

“Find rest, o my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Ps. 62:5-7
By His Grace and for His Glory,
Sherry L. Worel