Brokenness isn’t a matter of if—it’s a matter of when. Every one of us lives long enough to experience it: a friend walks away, a promise goes unfulfilled, a prayer goes unanswered. Life hits hard sometimes, and when it does, we don’t just end up with broken circumstances—we end up with broken expectations, broken trust, even broken hearts.
Henri Nouwen put it like this:
“Our life is full of brokenness—broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives?”
Bitterness is the natural outcome of unhealed brokenness.
It settles in quietly.
You start building walls instead of bridges.
You stop expecting good things from God—or people.
You stop praying like you used to.
You stop returning.
But here’s the invitation of the gospel: Come back. Again. And again. And again.
God is not weary of your return. He doesn’t count how many times you’ve had to start over. He just wants your heart. Even if it’s still bleeding.
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NKJV)
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23, NKJV)
Your brokenness doesn’t disqualify you—it’s what draws His nearness. If you feel weary, distant, or numb… don’t run from God. Run to Him. Take the broken pieces and lay them before the only One who can turn ashes into beauty and mourning into joy.
This isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about trusting the God who still draws near, even when your heart’s in pieces.
So here’s today’s reflection:
- What broken pieces are you still carrying?
- Have they hardened you—or humbled you?
- What’s one way you can return to God’s faithful presence right now?
You’re not too far gone. You’re not too broken. You’re just one return away from restoration.
