Have you ever experienced a broken heart? Have you ever felt lost, out of place or even empty with void..waiting for purpose or instruction? Life can often leave us feeling disconnected, not just from others, but sometimes even from the very reason of life..Jesus, the true vine. When we feel disconnected from Him, everything can feel dry, meaningless as if our lives are a faint echo of what we are meant to be. I know this feeling on yearning, missing, and awaiting the feeling of His presence.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” – Psalm 139:7-10
He never drifts away, but this humanly body we live in drifts and wanders. Sometimes, this disconnection isn’t even intentional. Sometimes, we don’t even realize the things we’re harboring in our hearts. David shows us that he called out to God to search his heart, for he did not know all that was within it.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23-24
Things like fear, pride, resentment, doubt, like subtly finding way in our hearts pulling us away from Him.
Other times, our hearts knowingly drift, seeking comfort or control in places that never truly satisfy. It is the curse of our fallen nature….the weakness of our long-suffering hearts and the inevitable position we find ourselves in. It is the very thing I despise. But on the contrary, when we remain connected to Him, there is life, growth, and fruitfulness beyond our understanding.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” – John 15:1-2
Jesus mentions apart from Him who is the vine, we can do nothing (John 15:5). We cannot bear lasting fruit on our own. But when we abide in Him, when we intentionally remain connected, our lives become the branch of His life, sustained in His love. Our purpose in Him becomes clearer, our sensitivity to His voice grows stronger, and our steps gain direction and momentum, all from the sanctifying, He does in us as we remain connected to Him.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” – John 15:4-5
If you’ve ever felt that deep longing of the heart, aching without response, as if you are missing Him, it can feel like a heartbreak, a deep sadness. Yet I have found depth in these moments, knowing the He is drawing me near. It is these moments He is asking me to sit at His feet. He knows the innermost parts of your heart better than you do. And when we struggle to find our way back to His presence or words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, praying with groaning that words cannot express (Romans 8:26). He knows how hard we fight, and has left us a helper. In my sadness, I know the Holy Spirit is helping me.
I am so grateful for His grace because it is His grace that guides me in His new mercies every morning. It is my prayer that starting new becomes easier. His mercy is there, but sometimes choosing to receive it seems unworthy at times and challenging to embrace. I try to remind myself that even if the pain or struggle doesn’t go away, I am stronger than I realize. I’ve made up my mind that even if I never find fairytale endings, this is just a season, just a chapter. No matter what, I choose to live secure, knowing that Jesus is my happily ever after…even in the midst of suffering.
I’ve learned that even when I falter, He is waiting for me. And you, too, can return to Him, no matter the season of your heart. No matter how many times we disappoint, He is waiting for us to begin again, to return, to remain in Him. He wants to revive you again. His grace is sufficient for you, and for me, in every season of life. He is the bridegroom, your husband, and His love is unwavering, unconditional and always faithful, full of forgiveness. All He wants is a heart that wants Him back, faithfully.
When I feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed, I try to return to the Vine by speaking to Him honestly about my heart, knowing and trusting that He hears every word. Abiding in Him transforms how I respond to others….patience comes more naturally, kindness flows even when it’s difficult, and joy surfaces in moments that used to feel dry. He is good and that goodness is poured into us. Sometimes I get distracted, and my heart drifts toward worry or bitterness. But even then, prayer, His word, or just simply sitting in His presence draws me back to the Vine.
To abide in the Vine is not a one time thing, it’s a daily posture of the heart. It’s yearning, yielding, and choosing His yoke, even when life is hard. When we do, the fruit of the Spirit flows with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A simple act of listening, forgiving, or encouraging someone can be an expression of the fruit of the Vine flowing through me. It is because of Him that I have any good in me.
Stay connected. Stay in Him. Let His life flow through you, and watch as even the broken places are made beautiful. Every day I learn how to start brand new, love better, and abide closer. Pausing to breathe and invite Him into the moment reconnects me back to the life He offers. Abiding in Him brings change and growth that I wouldn’t be able to do on my own. Abiding is your safe place. Abiding is where you are reminded of all His promises. Abiding in Him is the purpose of life.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that we choose to live secure, knowing Jesus is our forever after. I pray that we fall in love with abiding in you. Lord, You are the joy in our hearts and the security in our troubles. We love You and ask for help in all our weakness.
May our lives bring You glory after glory. May our hearts burn for You, seek You, and rely only on You in this life. Lord, please put an unshakeable strength in our spirits so that, in the ups and downs, we shout Your praise from the rooftops, because You are everything. May our lives produce fruit for you. You deserve it all.
Help us remain in You forever. Keep drawing us near, pouring Your life into our hearts so that, even as we face new struggles and sufferings, we remain ever closer to You.
In Jesus name, Amen
