Your heart will ‘beat again’
“The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
One afternoon over coffee in my home, a friend of mine told me a story that I’ve long remembered. I listened in amazement to her words echoing around the room. My friend explained to me about a pastor and a member of the pastor’s congregation who was a cardiac surgeon. After a Sunday service, the pastor saw the surgeon outside the church. The pastor walked up to the surgeon. He shook the surgeon’s hand and then he said to him, “Someday, I’d like to come to the hospital and watch you perform surgery.”
The cardiac surgeon nodded his head and uttered, “Okay.”
Weeks passed, and the day arrived where the pastor would witness an open heart surgery.
He went to the hospital at the set time, and a nurse escorted him to the corner of the operating room. As the procedure began, the pastor sat silently, but interested. Intently, he watched as the surgeon started the operation. The patient’s heart was open and before long, the surgery was performed and successfully completed. Yet, during the open-heart surgery, the patient’s heart stopped.
The pastor was completely numb with shock. Following several attempts to get the heart going again, the patient’s heart would not beat on its own.
The surgeon repeated his efforts. But nothing happened.
So, softly, the surgeon leaned over the patient. And he whispered in her ear, “This is your doctor. Your surgery was successful.” There was a hush in the room, as quietly, slowly, the surgeon continued, “Now beat again.” tell your heart to
Right after the surgeon uttered those words, the patient’s heart began to beat. beat The patient’s heart indeed again.
To anyone who has had a wounded or broken heart, God is gently whispering to you Beat again…” today: “
• Have you been hurt? Tell your heart to: Beat again.
• Did someone steal from you? Tell your heart to: Beat again.
• Are you fearful? Tell your heart to: Beat again.
• Did you experience a setback? Tell your heart to: Beat again.
• Do you have to start over? Tell your heart to: Beat again.
Remember, God is close to the brokenhearted. And right now, He is close to you. Scripture states: “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13). “The Lord is your strength and your shield …” (Psalm 28:7) And, “…nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19). So, “Be still and know…” (Psalm 46:10) for, “God is with you always…” (Matthew 28:20).
Hence, whatever you may be confronting, regardless of what situations have come and have tried to break your spirit, you can regain your life and be happy again. Don’t live hurt or wounded. Stop thinking about the ‘should haves,’ ‘could haves’ and what ‘might have been.’ Release the disappointments. Let go of what didn’t work out. And with sincere earnestness, reach forth to what ‘can be’ and ‘will be.’ Keep in mind that the situation that you have faced, or will face, has not canceled out God’s wonderful plan for your future. Although terribly difficult, something constructive can be born out of adversity. Who you’ve become in the process of living your life is of the utmost importance. The character you have acquired, the lessons you’ve learned, the people you have positively influenced and the heart of compassion you gained, you’ll carry with you for a lifetime. So continue to hold yourself to the highest standard. Be good to people. Always do what is right, take the high road and walk upright. And live with a commitment to excellence. God has seen every injustice. He will repair your broken heart, and rest assured He will “restore double to you.” (Zechariah 9:12). For soon God is going launch to you into something far greater. You’ll have joy. You will have peace. You will have strength. And you’ll have victory.
At my daughter’s dance studio, the end of the year recital is held on a Saturday evening and also on a Sunday afternoon. There are two dance performances. Therefore, if a mistake is made on the first day, the students have a second chance. Likewise, let today be your second chance.
It’s a time of hope and healing. There is a new beginning coming your way. So allow your heart to ‘beat again.’ Focus on the wonderful things that are going to happen for you. Visualize new dreams and goals coming to pass, and expect positive results. Push all the negativity out of your mind, and refuse to be pulled down any longer by the adverse circumstances of the past. As the perennial flowers in our gardens rise up each spring and start fresh and new, you too can arise and begin
Laugh again. Love again. again. Dream again. Make plans again.
A favorite prayer of mine is St. Teresa of Avila’s “Bookmark” that says:
• Let nothing disturb you,
• Let nothing frighten you,
• All things are passing;
• God only is changeless.
• Patience gains all things.
• Who has God wants nothing.
• God alone suffices. In my own life, there have been countless times I thought my heart had stopped beating due to pain, sorrow, and unrelenting challenges. But today, I say, “Thank you, God, for letting my heart beat again.”
For God is waiting for you to tell your own heart to “Beat again.” Then, go forward. The pain of the past is over. Put it behind you and think of the future. Be expecting your life to be touched and changed by God’s grace.
You have a new beginning and a wonderful new life ahead.