I imagine at one time or another all of us have played on a loop songs about being broken hearted. From the great and the good of Elvis presley and the Carpenters to the not so good one hit wonders, these songs remind us that the human spirit is easily bruised and fractured.
Of course these songs are all about a lost love and we know that their next song will be about having found "THE ONE". The broken heart is suddenly and miraculously healed and all is well with the world. Except hearts and souls dont really mend as easily as they break.
Some walk around with a broken soul for years, trying to muddle on as best they can, putting on a brave face to the world around them.
No one sees the fragmented smile, the brokenness inside and the shadows behind the eyes that speak of fear and hopelessness.
Only there is one who does see you. In Matthew 14 we are told the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. No McDonalds or Kentucky, just five loaves of bread and two fish. This story is one that I have read a hundred "They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over".
Can you relate to these broken pieces of bread? Do you feel left over? Discarded? At this time of isolation are you feeling forgotten and unwanted?
Look again at this verse in the story, Jesus instructed the disciples to gather the broken pieces together. You see, Jesus saw the broken bread that had been discarded. He saw the people take what they wanted and leave the rest behind. He saw.
My friends, Jesus sees. I promise you he sees your brokenness, he sees what others choose to overlook. He gathers you into his arms as the disciples gathered the broken bread and he presents you to the Father just as the disciples brought the baskets to Jesus.
Let us pray for you. Allow us to lift you to the One who sees the beauty in your brokenness, and allow him to gather you to himself.