Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 147:3 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3        

This is a verse that speaks of the great love God has for Israel and for us as well.  It refers primarily to those who have returned from their captivity in Babylon.  “The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel.” Psalm 147:2.  Note the phrase at the end, ‘He gathers the outcast of Israel.’  When Israel returned from Babylon, two major works they did was to rebuild the temple which was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, as well as the walls of the city.  This speaks to the phrase; the Lord builds up Jerusalem.  Not only did the Israelites work to restore Jerusalem, but they were dealing with sorrow because of the condition the city was in.    

As stated above, those returning from Babylon were crushed and broken due to their long seventy-year captivity, and with the return march back to Jerusalem, which was 2700 kilometers, or 1678.2 miles.  And when they arrive back, the city was in ruins.  This was the beloved city of the Jewish nation.  I am sure also many of their family and friends did not return with them due to being settled in Babylon, probably intermarried, and chose to remain behind.  This also must have caused heartache to those who chose to go back.

God though did not leave them this way.  He healed their broken hearts.  He brought them back to their native land after many years.  And even though the Temple was destroyed, and the walls were torn down, He lifted their spirits by a safe trip back and with the assurance they could, and would, rebuild everything.  He brought back all who desired to return.  See verse 4. “He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.”  Psalm 147:4. The idea is that if He can count the number of stars in the heavens and give them each a name, He knows where each one of the exiles are that want to return.  No one was left behind. 

However, though this verse is referring to the captive Israelites, this is a general truth that is applicable to us as well.  All of us go through difficult times.  All of us go through periods of anxiety, pain, broken hearts, etc.  We may struggle in going through these times; however, we have a God who loves us and brings us through to the other side.  “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. The LORD supports the afflicted; He brings down the wicked to the ground.” Psalm 147:5-6.  He understands and has compassion on us.  “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19.  Call out to Him, He understands and will not leave us here alone.  As our focus verse states, He heals us when our hearts are broken, and He binds up the wounds that come because of our trials.  “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7.  Cast all of our trials, anxieties and hurts on Him, for He understands, cares for us, and wants to pull you through.  I can say through experience, it is easier than going though them alone. 

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.