“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
What do you do when your heart breaks and you can’t understand? Yesterday, a close friend passed away. He’d been in a motorcycle accident and had massive internal bleeding and injuries. But despite the best efforts of the ICU doctors and being surrounded by praying friends and family for four days, his body was too tired to fight any longer. When he passed, I could barely breathe. I felt as if I had nothing left inside me.
I knew God had called him home. He was in a better place, with no more pain. I trusted God knew it was the right time. But I still didn’t understand why that time had to be now. I knew God had good plans for those he loves (Romans 8:28), and His plans were beyond my understanding. (Isaiah 55:8–9). However, this didn’t make it hurt any less.
Then I read this verse: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26, NIV.) I love how the Psalms are so emotionally raw and real. When I read them, I find comfort in knowing I am not the only person who has ever grieved or hurt. This verse made me feel understood. I felt as if my heart was failing. But no matter what, I trust God. He will always be my portion.
Another translation for the word “portion” in this verse is “inheritance.” When Asaph said, God is my portion, he meant God is his allotment, source of security, and hope. You see, as Christians, no matter what our circumstances, we have hope because Jesus gave us eternal life, forgiveness, and a right standing with God. We have hope because nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
So what can you do when your heart is breaking?
- Pray.
Be real with God, and tell him how you feel. Ask him to lift you up. Take an example from David, who cried out to God with honest and vulnerable prayers. “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away” (Psalm 31: 9-10, ESV).
Then, allow God to fill you with His love and strength. “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10, ESV).
- Fill Your Heart With the Word of God.
Just as it did for me, the Bible can lift your spirit and reassure you you aren’t alone. The Word will remind you of God’s love and give you strength. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, ESV).
- Surround Yourself with Fellow Believers.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Many people love you and would happily pray for you. In fact, the Bible instructs believers to pray for one another (James 5:16), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and even mourn together. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15, NIV).
Dear Heavenly Father, Sometimes life breaks our hearts, no matter how much faith we have. After all, Your Word says even Jesus wept. So today, I come before You with a bleeding and broken heart. I thank You because my friend is now with You in a place of peace. I thank You for Your love, the reassurance of Your Word, the comfort of fellow believers, and the hope of eternal life, where there’s no more death, sorrow, or crying. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
