Seven Ways to Overcome Heartache

by Janet Perez Eckles

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved. Jeremiah 17:14 NIV

What would happen if we didn’t have 911 to call for emergencies? What if there were no medical assistance available anywhere? That was the case in my hometown of La Paz, Bolivia.

I was 10 and my brother 8 years old when we snuggled next to Mom while seated in the back of a dilapidated truck. He and I disregarded the dust that came through the open windows from the dirt road. We focused instead on the tropical area of Bolivia where a much-anticipated vacation waited for us. I wiped away the dust from my eyes one more time and turned to my mom. “When will we get there?”

Back in 1960, that road we traveled was named as the #1 most dangerous in the world. It was wide enough for only one vehicle, and its potholes and rocks made for a bumpy ride. Wooden crosses that dotted the edge of a cliff marked the spots where travelers had plunged to their death.

In this life, we also ride on the narrow road of uncertainty. Potholes of unexpected setbacks and rocks of heartache and disappointment make the ride difficult.

Years ago, I was on such road, and nearly plunged down the cliff of despair. As often happens, tragedy catches us off guard, unprepared and vulnerable. That’s how the doctor found me and my husband in a dark emergency room. We’d been waiting to learn about my 19-year-old son’s condition after he was wounded at a 7-Eleven parking lot.

In a somber tone the doctor announced, “He didn’t survive the 23 stab wounds he received.”

Losing my youngest son was unthinkable. Too numb to move and too heartbroken to pray, I cried out to God, “Why?”

That’s when I found that pain of this kind has no reason. But I also learned that God’s peace has no limit. In the weeks that followed, through layer after layer of pain and unending tears, God’s healing hand lifted me.

God’s healing process is gentle, and His victory is certain. And He invites us to join Him in the process. Here are seven helpful ways (NIV):

• Count on His help, constant and never changing, because “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
• Erase thoughts of self-pity, and silence words of gloom. “My lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live.” (Psalm 63:4a)
• Let go of bitterness, instead reach to Him. “In your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:4b)
• Find satisfaction in Him. “My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (Psalm 63:5)
• Give thanks for His companionship in the loneliness of night. “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.” (Psalm 63:6)
• Claim the closeness of His power at work. “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 63:7)
• Cling to His loving hand to remain steady. Lord, we will not faint because “my soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8)

Father, I praise you for already knowing the help we need, the comfort we desire, and the reassurance we hunger for. Thank you for going before us to prepare the healing and the restoration of our peace. I thank you in Jesus’ name.

About the author: Janet Perez Eckles is an award-winning author, international speaker, and founder of JC Empowerment Ministries. Through her books and keynote messages she encourages and empowers others to overcome fear and begin a life of joy-filled victories.

Join the conversation. What has helped you when you have grieved?