There's A Hole In My Heart
Posted by Annette Burrell, November 1, 2023
Have you ever hit a pothole that made your car sound like it had just exploded? It seems like potholes are everywhere. There is one such hole about a mile away from my house that keeps getting bigger, and I avoid it like the plague. If I hit that thing again, I’m sure I’ll need to take my car in for an alignment.
If you think about it, most holes cause more harm than good. They cause damage, like the pothole I just mentioned. I have some pesky chipmunks in my yard, and they are digging little holes and underground tunnels in my front yard. An armadillo took care of tearing up my backyard with big holes. Now, the front yard is under attack.
I feel like my yard & my whole life is under attack. Those little pests are digging into my heart and soul to distract me from God’s plan. The problem is, at times, I forget to put on my armor so that I am prepared to face the enemy’s attacks.
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
When you get dressed to go out for the day, do you forget to put on your shoes? No. Why, then, do we forget to suit up in the armor of God? That’s our protection. Our battle is not against the literal pests. It’s “against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (vs.12) Verses 13-18 explain why we need each piece of armor.
About 14 years ago, my husband and I were at the hospital welcoming our fourth grandson into the world. The nurse came in and asked, “Is he still sleeping?” Our daughter told her he had been asleep a little while and thought she might have even heard him snoring.
The nurse quickly whisked him away and told us she’d return shortly. Not too long after that, the doctor came in and told us our grandson had a hole in his heart. He was explaining everything and telling Mom and Dad that, typically, this hole would close on its own. He also said he would be referring them to a pediatric cardiologist who would keep a close eye on it. If the hole didn’t close by the time he turned 12 or so, surgery would be necessary; otherwise, he could develop lung issues.
Fourteen years later and the hole is still there. Last week, our daughter told us that he was going to require open heart surgery. You can imagine hearing that was hard. A 14-year-old never wants to hear anything like that. To say that he is scared would be an understatement.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
God, in his infinite wisdom, asks us to come to Him. He’ll take our burdens upon himself and help us to rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV) says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
I was diagnosed with a heart condition known as LBBB (Left Bundle Branch Blockage) about the time our grandson was about 7 years old. Fear for my health crept in on me for the first time. I received a text from our daughter with a message from our grandson telling me everything was going to be ok. He said he had a hole in his heart, and he was sure I would find a good heart doctor who would take care of me too. That is the heart of a 7-year-old.
We all have holes in our hearts. Some are in the form of poor health. Some come from hurtful words that are spoken to us. The grief of a loved one may cause other holes. God wants us to know He is in the alignment business. When we are faced with issues that hurt our hearts, He will take care of and repair us. He promises us that in His word.
Psalm 147:3 (NIV) says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
You may be experiencing a “hole in your heart” right now. There’s a hole in my heart. I want to encourage you to take it to the Lord. Give your fear and worry to Him. Lay it at His feet and ask him to hear what’s on your heart.
Annette Burrell is an author, speaker, and singer/songwriter. Through Annette’s years of being a public servant, and her devotion to studying the Bible, God has equipped her to lead women into His presence, and share with them how they can grow in Christ. Her passion is learning, sharing about the Heavenly realms, and God’s plan of protection for us as believers.