Help For The Troubled Heart Series

HELP FOR THE HURTING HEART

John 11:1-44

On any given Sunday, within this assembly there are people who are enduring tragedy, sorrow, and heartbreak. As we speak, members of our faith family are suffering emotionally, physically, financially, and even spiritually. You may have a precious loved one who is facing a terminal illness. Some are dealing with serious health issues themselves. With today’s economy many are struggling to make ends meet financially. Others may have rebellious children or marriages that are on the brink of divorce. Though we may be hesitant to admit it, there are times when we struggle spiritually.

Of all of the troubles and struggles that we may face in this life, one of the most difficult is enduring the death of someone that we love. Many will testify that the pain of a broken heart is much different and in some ways even worse than extreme and constant physical pain. The wonderful news is that we are not without hope and we can find help in times of immense suffering and sorrow. The hope and help that we need in the midst of pain, grief, and mourning is found in Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest biblical proofs of this reality is found in John chapter 11. Jesus had a close and beautiful relationship with a family in the town of Bethany. Various scriptures show us that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were very special to the Savior. John tells us that Lazarus became very ill and his sisters sent word to Jesus. Though he was just a few miles away, Jesus did not arrive until four days after Lazarus had passed away.

In the beginning, Mary and Martha were concerned about Lazarus but confident in Jesus. Though this was a serious situation they possessed great hope; they were close friends with the man who had been traveling the region healing the sick, crippled, lame, and even those who were paralyzed. They had access to the One who had cleansed lepers, cast out demons, given sight to the blind, and made the deaf to hear and the mute speak. In fact, though they knew that Lazarus’ physical condition was critical, Mary and Martha possessed hope because they knew that Jesus had even raised people from the dead.

As a result of their hope, Lazarus’ sisters sent word to Jesus concerning their situation. Very soon their hope would fade and their faith would be tested. They knew that Jesus was aware of Lazarus’ illness, yet He did not arrive and Lazarus died.

Imagine the storm of emotions that those two women experienced throughout that four-day period. They experienced hope, trust, confidence, & assurance. Yet, in that same period of time they also dealt with uncertainty, helplessness, frustration, discouragement, doubt and even anger. There are times in life when we will experience this same range of emotions. Like the sisters of Lazarus, we will learn that sometimes Jesus doesn’t respond when, where, and how we would like, but ultimately His plans and purposes are greater than we could ever imagine.

There are many important lessons that we can learn from the story of Lazarus, but today I would like to examine the fact that in Jesus there is “Help For The Hurting Heart”.

Like Mary and Martha you may be in the midst of your own personal tragedy. If so, you may be asking: How should I handle my situation? Where can I turn? What can I do? Is there really hope we everything seems so hopeless? Based on the Word of God I can assure you that there is help for the hurting heart and it is found in Jesus Christ.

- As we examine the truths recorded in this passage of scripture, let me encourage you to:

I. REACH OUT TO JESUS WHEN YOU ARE HURTING

As Christians, even though we have access to the presence and power of Jesus Christ, we have a tendency to look for answers and assistance in all the wrong people and places. Troubles come and we turn to co-workers, family members, and close friends for answers. While we are blessed to have various important relationships in this life, no one can help us like Jesus. When we endure tragedy and experience a hurting heart, we must follow the example of Mary & Martha and reach out to Jesus.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

- When we are experiencing a hurting heart we can and should reach out to Jesus. We are able to do this because of: