I found myself praying this today. The original quote by Bob Pierce is: “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.”
This afternoon as I was sitting in the sunshine at my favorite lunch spot reading John Ortberg’s book, Soul Keeping (for the third time this year), I spontaneously cried out from my soul to God…”break my heart, Lord for what breaks Yours.” It’s a risky prayer.
What if God really did break your heart with the things that break His? What would that look like in your life? How would it change your everyday existence? Would it cause you to crumble beneath the weight of a heavy burden? Would it prevent you from going outside so as not to visually encounter anymore pain or loss in the world? Would it overwhelm you to the point that you couldn’t hear or see one more tragic story unfold on the Internet or television broadcast?
To tell the truth, I think it could do any of the above—if we let it. Today I was asking God for more. More of His love, compassion, and heart for the broken, so it would further mobilize me to respond to those all around me. What became strikingly clear, as I sat by myself at lunch, was the people around me. What breaks God’s heart the most is seeing the people He deeply loves in pain. People are God’s highest priority. He wants people to be our priority as well. To be honest, sometimes I lose my focus. I’ve had a particular burden for those who have suffered brokenness, heartache, and devastation from sexual abuse/assault. I’ve been writing and speaking about this topic for over 30 years and ministering to people all over the globe who’ve needed hope. It has been the joy of my life to share my own story of sexual abuse as a child and the arduous journey God brought me through to be whole again.
A couple years ago, I was reflecting on my life and thanking God for all He had done. He took the deep pain of a little girl whose life was ravaged by someone else’s sin, and “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” writes the Psalmist in Psalm 40. After thanking God, I said to Him, “Thank you, Lord! I’ve had a good life. There’s nothing else I need to do. I’m happy to retire.” I was sure God would agree—case closed. He didn’t. I heard Him internally say, “I’m not done with you yet. I have more for you to do.”
I was totally caught off guard. He then said, “I want you to write another book.” I did not run to my computer, but instead said, “Lord, I’m old and I’m tired and I don’t know that I have anything more to say.” His invitation persisted while I resisted. Finally, after nearly two years of avoidance, I surrendered.
Had anyone told me I’d be writing a new book at 66 years old, I would have said they were crazy. But here I am in the midst—all for the sake of the love of a God whose heart breaks for those whose hearts are broken.
So dear friends, I’m humbled once again by the relentless love of God—whose heart breaks for those who are broken and who has graciously invited me to partner with Him in bringing them hope.
I invite you to pray along with me—”break my heart, Lord for what breaks Yours.”