"Heart"

I’ve seen cowboys and some top hands,

With skills beyond compare,

Handy with the chores they do,

And glad to have them there.

Whether it’s a gather,

Or tossing true their twine,

I’ve seen ‘em do just what it takes,

And always be on time.

But I’ll tell you ‘bout another thing,

That you might not know that’s true,

The same ones that I’ve talked about,

Are tender-hearted, too.

I mean by that they’ll shed a tear,

When a dog or good horse dies,

Not to mention a dear loved one,

Though you might not see them cry.

They’ll save it all for later,

With no one else around,

I did it when my sister died,

Got horseback far from town.

It’s not that they’re embarrassed,

Just how they were raised,

They rein in what they’re feeling,

And not that they’re unfazed.

In fact I’ve seen ‘em break down,

When their heart was trampled on,

It’s just as if a dam breaks,

The feelings run so strong.

So is he’s tough and manly,

It’s more than how he looks,

But with ladies, kids and old folks,

It’s kindness for the books.

 And one more thing is certain,

Most important thing of all,

God heals the brokenhearted,

If upon Him we will call.

“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds…” (Psalms 147:3, NLT)

We find it hard to admit sometimes, but every single person suffers heartbreak. Some are able to shake it off relatively easily. They somehow have the inner strength to let things go and move on. But some simply can’t. Maybe it’s because the hurt runs too deeply and stays too long. Bottom line: Jesus’ death on the cross was not only for our sins, but also for our hurts. The scriptures tell us that by His wounds we are healed. His grace will truly relieve the hurt that otherwise never goes away. And in the strength of that healing we can forgive others. It’s simply how the grace of God works. Get some.

Lord, heal our broken hearts, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, billantonstudios.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.