I heard the broken words of the woman sitting behind me on the tight flight from West to East.
“There are just a lot of places with a lot of sadness.”
The weight of her words hung heavy. I wanted to turn around and give this woman a hug – a hug that communicated, “I feel that sadness too. And I feel the brokenness. And it hurts my heart just like it hurts yours.”
What world event has touched your heart and made brokenness all the more real?
Was it the wildfires that destroyed homes and ruined lives? The hungry children in countries near and far? The persecution and a life of fear for Christians everywhere?
How about the nearer brokenness? The brokenness that says unisex bathrooms are the right answer and that abortions are okay.
Brokenness is a heavy weight on the hearts of Christians everywhere.
I believe our hope and our answer to this brokenness lies in Ephesians 6. Verse 12 tells us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God.”
The brokenness surrounding us may seem like flesh and blood battles. And yet, this Scripture tells us we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against something so much greater.
We’re wrestling against the ruler of those flesh and blood battles. We’re fighting against the one who orchestrates the persecution and the pain and grief and burdens.
We’re battling the ruler of darkness.
The weight of that can seem too much, don’t you think? But then in comes verse 15 of Ephesians 6.
“…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
Our gospel is a gospel of peace. It directs our steps, orients our hearts, and gives the sweetest hope.
Christ died on the cross so that God would first and foremost be glorified, but also to ensure that our relationship with the Abba Father is one of peace and grace.
This is hope, dear burdened friend.
We’ve been given peace. We’ve been guaranteed peace. We’ve been promised that peace will win every. single. time.
With that hope in mind, how should we respond to all of this brokenness?
We should pray fiercely a prayer of peace – the gospel of peace that makes our whole lives new and full of meaning.
We should pray for peace to enter…
Our Homes
“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
Heavenly Father, I long for my home to be brimming with your peace. Please provide peace at all times and in every way. Please fill my home with your presence, and the covenant of peace you’ve promised.
Our Churches
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” Isaiah 26:3
Lord, make our churches full of people whose minds steadfastly trust you. Make our churches overflowing with a hope-filled thankfulness for your perfect gospel of peace.
Our Cities
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
God, I thank you for peace that will not be removed. I ask that you would fill my city with peace – a covenant of peace that we can trust in, rely on, and cling to. Thank you that this is a reality because of your love.
Our States
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Lord, no matter the amount of chaos we experience, I trust that you are a God not of disorder but of peace. Thank you for making beauty out of ashes, for establishing our states for your purposes, and for bringing peace to all situations because of the blood of your Son.
Our Nation
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Lord, as our nation experiences deep brokenness, I ask that you would fill your people with all joy and peace. I do trust in you, Father. I trust in your goodness and your plan. Make my heart overflow with hope so that I can bring hope to others in your name.
Our World
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
God, I praise you for the promise that you have already overcome the world. Our powerful hope – and sweetest assurance – is your promise to overcome evil. I wait in excited expectation for the future glory you have ensured.
Our Hearts
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
Heavenly Father, thank you for peace that crowds out burdens and fear. Thank you that your peace is greater than anything this world offers. Let this peace guide me and direct me, comfort me and equip me to stand firm in your truth.
The brokenness of our world is not too much for our Father.
The brokenness of our world is overcome by the gospel of peace – a peace won for our hearts by the greatest sacrifice in the history of everything.
Dear burdened soul, rest in this. Pray for this. Find hope in this.
The gospel of peace is alive, real, and powerful.
The gospel of peace is our greatest hope.
Latest posts by Alison Tiemeyer (see all)
- What to do When Brokenness Surrounds You - May 26, 2016
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I wish I read these words when I was dealing with my brokenness. Where were you? 🙂
Enjoy your weekend!