A wounded heart is like a prison without bars of steel or locks but it holds it’s victim captive to the pain, the sorrow, lost hope and shattered dreams. Living can become a routine of going through the motions of life, surviving with the internal grief by various forms of coping mechanisms. Burying the wounds deep in the heart can cause a person to displace anger of disappointments by becoming angry at people who have nothing to do with their wounds. Little issues are blown out of proportion. The pain comes out in all kinds of ways when triggers occur. Depression and isolation from healthy relationships can also happen as a results of heart wounds. Feeling shame and unworthy of love can also hover over wounded people.

So many things happen to wound people from early in life, unfair things that we have no control of. Broken homes, absent fathers, unintentional neglect, abuse in many forms, rejection. Statistics from NCTSN (National Child Traumatic Stress Network) state that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused in some way by the age of 18. Shame and feelings of guilt that it’s somehow their fault can cause depression and anxiety. Relationship problems and betrayals also wound people terribly, divorce shatters hopes and dreams. Serious illnesses and death of loved ones cause deep wounds and lingering questions of why would God let this happen.

It’s vital and important to acknowledge the painful feelings and experiences. Anger can be good when it leads to healthy steps to deal with the root causes of it. Emotions are like a warning light for the human heart that an issue needs attention. Unfortunately, when feelings are not dealt with and expressed, hopelessness may set in. Anger continues to be misplaced and wreak havoc on your life and people in your life. God understands your pain better than you do. He also wants to help you through it.

Why all this pain and sorrow? Well, my friend we have an enemy, “The thief only comes to steal, kill and destroy” simply because you are made in the image of God and the enemy hates God and His creation…You and me! The enemy uses broken people to do broken things. If the enemy can break you, he can destroy God’s plan for your life, which is always for good, not evil. The second part of the verse says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus spoke those words in John 10:10.

Jesus cares and weeps with you when your heart is broken by the wounds of this world. He fought for you as He chose to give His life on the cross. He not only paid for your sins, past, present and future, but He paid for your healing by the wounds He endured before His death on the cross according to Isaiah 53. Verses 4-5 say, “Surely He took our pain and carried our suffering…He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on Him and by His wounds we are healed.”

Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and set captives free! You can be free from the trauma and wounds you have endured and the first step is bringing it all to God, the One who loves you most! Believe His words that He spoke in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Jesus came for you my friend. His passion and love for you caused Him to surrender His life to pay for your freedom. Shake off the chains the enemy has bound you in and rest in the love of the Father, Son and Spirit. “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

It’s a journey and process to surrender your life, your fears, your tears and broken dreams to God. I have experienced a peace that truly transcends the human understanding. I’ve walked through many of those painful wounds that I spoke of and God has healed me of all of it and I am fully known and loved by Him, even able to forgive all my offenders and pray for them by God’s grace. Oh my friend, come along with me to the heart of Jesus and let Him set your wounded heart free. His love is seeking after you, come and love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and give Him your life. It’ll be the best decision you will ever make, I promise!