When was the last time you sobbed? I mean heartbroken, gut-wrenching sobs – the kind that erupt from a crushed and broken heart.
Maybe someone close to you drove a knife into your heart and then walked away.
Perhaps you had been betrayed.
Or abandoned.
Or forsaken.
Or lied to.
Maybe someone you loved had died, and all your dreams died with them.
You were left hopeless.
Alone.
Afraid.
Mary felt that way. As she walked to the tomb early that Sunday morning, her heart ached for what might have been. All the dreams. All the promises. All the hopes. Gone.
How could things have gone so wrong?
By the time she reached her destination, grief and sorrow overwhelmed her, and she sobbed. Gut-wrenching, heartbroken sobs.
The kindly gardener’s words did little to soothe her grief, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
Forming an answer required her to acknowledge the reason.
“God is gone, and I don’t know where to find Him.”
Has sorrow ever made you feel this way?
When the resurrected Christ encountered a heartbroken Mary outside the tomb that first Easter morning, He spoke one word that changed Mary’s life forever. It righted her world. It brought comfort and hope. It eased her sorrow and soothed her pain.
“Mary.”
If you, like Mary, are heartbroken, close your eyes and open your heart. Picture the Savior stepping into your grief and your pain and calling you by name. He knows you. He loves you. He IS alive in your life.
Allow the hope of that first Resurrection Day to push everything else out of your heart.
REJOICE!
“He is not here! He is risen, just as He said!”
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” (Ps 30:11)
“And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” (1 Cor. 15:14)
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Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of the devotional book Joy in the Journey – Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms. She shares life, laughter, and 5-minute devotions for women on the go on her blog, Hungry for God; Starving for Time (www.lorihatcher.com).
(Sky photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)
