Jimbo's Jots

A recent update to the classic hymn, Just As I Am, adds this line in a chorus: “I come broken to be mended, I come wounded to be healed”.

There’s a lot of brokenness in this world. A lot of broken people or at least there are those who feel broken. On the day that I’m writing, it has been 18 years since September 11, 2001 and the world hasn’t forgotten those whose lives were taken from us on that day.

There is a lot of brokenness in this world. People feel beat up and bruised at all that life has thrown at them. I saw just this week a story about a young pastor in a large church in California who had struggled with depression had committed suicide.

There is a lot of brokenness in this world. Every day, another life is taken from this life. Age is not a defining factor. Someone passes from this life at a certain age and we say, “They died so young!” I recently officiated the service of a woman who dies at age 58 after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. Others pass away after living a long life here on earth and we say, “They lived a full life!” I work with people who are struggling with their grief.

There is a lot of brokenness in this world. Young people are increasingly diagnosed with anxiety and depression at an alarming rate. There are varying theories as to why this is so, but counseling centers across the nation are seeing a higher level of children needing counseling as early has 5 years old.

I want to offer a sense of hope to those who feel broken. I do not claim to have all of the answers. But I will listen with compassion and offer thoughts to help you see through your brokenness. I will also tell you that during your struggles you have a God who will also listen with compassion. He is God who mends the broken and heals the wounded.

I encourage you in your brokenness to read through Psalm 116. Here is a highlight of this wonderful song of crying out to God: “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.” (v. 5-6)

Be blessed and be a blessing!