Hymn: “Jesus! What a Friend of Sinners” – J. Wilbur Chapman
(1859-1918)
Typical Tune: HYRFYDOL
Try to wipe Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart” out of your
mind for a minute, and let’s deal with the reality of heartbreak, a dilemma in
which we have all found ourselves – maybe many times. It’s that feeling that
someone has taken each end of your emotional center and wrenched it against itself
to the point that it seems to be broken. Always we think it has been damaged
beyond repair. Some heartbreak is everlasting. but thankfully, most of the time
it is short-lived… even momentary. Either way, for the one who is experiencing
the sprain, the feeling is deep and genuine.
Sometimes this injury comes of our own doing; sometimes it
is from outside. There are times that we cannot identify the true source or the
break, but we know it is happening.
Even then – EVEN THEN Christ is our comfort, helping us
bounce back, reviving our soul.
Heartbreak is a difficult thing to discuss with our fellow
human confidants. It seems we turn quickly to the One who hears and understands
us inside-out. I admit that I have rarely experienced an anguish of this kind that
Christ did not come to my aid. Having a little talk with Jesus usually makes it
right… at least bearable. It may not repair the relationship or mend the
situation… but we DO feel a certain peace or comfort, and we are rewarded with
strength for today and bright hope for the next conflict.
Hymns can do so much more for us than songs written for country
music clubs. And lines like this one can resonate in our ears just when we need
to be reminded that our Christ whose heart was broken more than once can identify
with our own despair… and be our comfort.
Even when my heart is breaking… ahhhh.
Hallelujah, what a promise! Hallelujah, what a hope! Hallelujah,
what a Savior!
This Hymn by the Gaither Vocal Band
Wayne Watson’s “Friend of a Broken Heart”… in case you’re
having that kind of day!
No comments:
Post a Comment
You are welcome to comment on any of the posts. They are sent to ME directly. Thanks for any feedback you would like to make.