The man’s burn was deep, second and third degree, with nerve damage. It was causing considerable pain, but in talking with him I realized he had a much deeper wound on his soul.
As I cleaned the burn he told me of his loneliness, his despair, of a life without friends or hope. Finally, his story spent, he looked at me with eyes which had seen too much and whispered, “I’m just crawling through life till I die.” He was only in his 40’s.
Proverbs 18:14 says, “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” I see the truth of this verse played out every day in patient after patient. Physical illness can be difficult to handle, but it pales in comparison to the pain of a broken heart, of “a crushed spirit.”
Jesus said He came “that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10. Our Heavenly Father wants to give us “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isaiah 61:3. He promises to be “close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
No matter how deep your wound, no matter how crushed your spirit, there is healing to be had in the arms of Jesus. In His presence despair flees away and hope is born. Don’t crawl through life any longer. Take Jesus hand and let Him lift you up. Come to Him today and find out what it means to really live.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
Have a wonderful day!