Ever feel like your world just got blown to pieces?
This question reminds me of the cartoon series The Coyote and Road Runner Show. Think of the scenes where Wile E. Coyote gets flattened to the road by some unexpected collision with a train, cargo ship, or huge boulder that comes out of nowhere and then Smush! He was crushed! Coyote always walks away from the scene with an accordion-creased body or head-to-toe cast. And so it is in the world of make-believe!
In reality, however, detonation by intense life events—particularly where emotions are concerned—isn’t so easy to walk away from. Instead, it leaves us feeling completely shattered, actually in a state of extreme brokenness.
In general terms
This sense of feeling broken inside comes from various experiences but seems to show itself most often through some type of significant loss, such as:
- the end of a close relationship
- death of a loved one
- termination of a job
- a closed-door of opportunity
- loss of a lifelong dream
- personal tragedy
Brokenness feels like your world has been shaken to the point that you’re not sure how it can ever be put back together!
You look around and see others functioning just fine, and wonder why you don’t feel the same way.
These muddled thoughts and emotions can be overwhelming, resulting in:
- crying easily or often
- the inability to rest/sleep well
- depressive feelings
- a sense of failure
- physical ailments from the stress
- unresolved questions or problems
- anger with yourself or others
When extreme loss or distress occurs, it can leave us feeling emotionally crushed, depressed, angry—unable to make any sense out of what actually happened.
Promises kept!
In the book of Psalms, we read where David penned hopeful words that I’ve also experienced during trying times of life: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Ps. 55:22).
God does keep His promise to uphold us as He gently molds the broken pieces of our hearts back together. We can trust that the Lord hears our prayers of anguish and will respond in love and comfort.
The healing process
The face of brokenness is many-faceted. There may be several methods, or steps, of restoration needed to get back on your feet again—depending on the situation. Some steps may include:
- confession to God of your need for help
- professional and/or pastoral counseling
- support groups
- new exercise, diet, or fitness routines
- supportive friends to share your concerns or feelings
- resources to read, watch or listen to for guidance
The road toward healing may involve several small steps, mixed with the desire to get up and move forward. And even though you may be reading this from a “flattened” position today, there is hope! One day soon, you’ll be back on your feet, able to share your story of restoration with someone else.