He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

~Psalm 34:18 NIV

Sometimes, we hurt ourselves so badly that we’re sure it will leave a mark. But not all wounds leave a mark.

This happened to me while feeding my sister’s horses. My rubber-booted footprints brought the hungry horses running to the gate. As I struggled with the gate chain, Geronimo nibbled at my jacket sleeve and nudged me with his nose. Playfully, I rubbed his ears and pushed him back a bit while continuing my fight with the chain. That’s when it happened. Geronimo head-butted me full-force right in the face. My upper lip and nose got the brunt of the hit. I saw stars and stumbled backward. Horse heads are hard.

I reached up to ensure my nose was still attached and continued to jiggle the chain, finally wrenching it loose. The horses ambled into their stalls, and I stumbled to the house. I just knew I’d get to the mirror only to find myself swollen and bloody. Nope. Not a scratch on me. But, boy, did it hurt. For this level of pain, I wanted at least a sympathy bruise to show for it. 

This incident got me thinking about another kind of invisible wound: wounds of the heart. They are silent pains we don’t have words for, sneaky pains that pop up and ruin sweet moments, and sharp pains that come from sudden loss.

Heartache takes no holidays. The holidays can be especially hard for folks who are heavy with heartache. We shouldn’t assume everyone considers the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year. Instead, we should ask Jesus to help us see the hurting people around us. He will show us how we can help. He understands.

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

~Isaiah 53:3 ESV

When the holidays don’t feel jolly, jumping into the rippling current of activity that has become part of our culture is difficult. When we see someone struggling, we can extend tidings of comfort and joy. Having joy even when life is hard is possible.

Joy comes from knowing Jesus holds us in a constant embrace, and nothing is more comforting than that. Ask God for ways to be an extension of Christ’s embrace. Look for opportunities to serve the hurting with gentle grace. For some, it may be an invitation to join in. Others need permission to bow out of activities that feel unbearable. For all, it is a heartfelt prayer for God to heal their broken hearts and bind up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).

If you are among the hurting, be gentle with yourself. The Lord sees and loves you. He will steady you when you get wobbly. Admit your pain to others. You just may help them understand they’re not alone in their hurt.

Lord, the holidays are hard for me. Help me help others by praying, loving, and leading them to Your open arms. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Not All Wounds Leave a Mark: Lee Merrill: All Rights Reserved