Cradle My Heart: A Polka-Dot Heart
Friday, May 29, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
“In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 NLT
Thoughts for Today
There is a mystery when two hearts touch. A heart-to-heart conversation with a parent, a mentor, or a trusted friend can redirect our lives. And conversations with Jesus can bring healing and peace.
The Samaritan woman listened, and her heart was filled with hope. Sheila faced Christ and poured out her broken heart. He handed it right back to her, whole and mended. She knows she is forever accepted and loved.
Kim sat with Jesus at the well and understood that her need for recognition has been fully met in him. When Jesus speaks from his heart, his words are of love with grace and truth. He gives us strength to connect the dots of our present pain with the past.
Each of us has a polka-dot heart. We need Christ to help us connect the dots. It took Kim a long time to connect the poor quality of her relationships to her failure to forgive her fiancé and her refusal to attempt reconciliation. Kim comments, “It wasn’t easy, but with God’s help I have forgiven my fiancé and I pray for his peace.”
Consider this …
Maybe right now your heart is marred by overwhelming sadness, troubled relationships, and strife. Or perhaps you just feel isolated and numb. Ask Jesus to help you connect the dots. To understand why you are feeling that way.
Begin to read Jesus’ words. Start a conversation with him about your life. Don’t worry if you don’t yet hear his voice clearly. There is no formula for love. You must forge your own relationship with him as you respond to his leading.
Jesus comes to satisfy our thirst for someone we can love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And that’s what God wants most from us . . . that we would find our deepest satisfaction in life in him and offer him wholehearted love.
Prayer
Father, you know how I’m feeling. Help me connect the dots. Help me understand. I do love you. Help me grow in that love. Help me trust you more. Thank you for listening.
In Jesus’ name ...
These thoughts were drawn from … Cradle My Heart: Finding God's LOVE After Abortion by Kim Ketola. In this book, Kim seeks to help those hurt by abortion to grieve with hope. Sharing her story and the stories of ten other women, she reveals that God's love is not a casualty of the abortive process. With an appendix of helpful resources and a study and discussion guide included, Cradle My Heart is a timely and important resource for the hurting woman, the counselor, and the church.
With an understanding and empathetic voice, Kim Ketola exposes the hurt in your heart, reveals the healing in God's heart, and brings the two together to create a whole heart where restoration and celebration are possible.
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