Perfect Heart- Perfect Love

by Francine Rodriguez

As the month of February comes to an end we think of it as a time to celebrate those we love. It was the month of Valentines Day and it was also heart health month. I hope you took the time to think about your heart this past month as I did.

I asked myself what’s the condition of my heart both physically and spiritually and why do people say you broke my heart, can my heart really be broken?

Broken heart (also known as heartbreak or heartache) is a metaphor for the intense emotional—and sometimes physical—stress or pain one feels at experiencing great longing.

 “It is officially known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, broken heart syndrome it’s a rare heart condition with symptoms that can mimic those of a heart attack.” Says Dr. Wittstein.

This pain is perceived in the brain. The brain may be the nerve center, but it pulls together sensations and meanings from all over the body.

A broken heart, if you’ve ever felt it, can be felt in the chest and stomach or any other part of the body that responds to that loss.
 
Because we fear a broken heart we fear commitment, the fear of commitment can be a major cause of breakups in a relationship. One person may be ready to tie the knot while the other person feels the knot is being tied around his neck.

Commitment phobia. You won’t find it in a diagnostic manual, but it is a real experience just like a broken heart, where you can experience, anxiety, fear or a number of other symptoms.

We fear loss and its natural to feel scared, hesitant or unsure. Some of us are afraid of being loved, we fear giving others a chance because we fear we might be hurt again.

So we move from job to job, friendship to friendship, and relationship to relationship and church to church. It seems easier to jump ship than to commit. But did you ever think that church could be the place where you can heal and grow?

 All through the bible, we read of those who were committed to one another. Just as Jesus is committed to the church He wants us to be committed not only to Him but also to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need each other if we are going to be successful in this battle.

 

 Our chief commitment should always be first to God. “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5)

And that commitment should supersede our commitment to any other.

When we are committed to God we don’t have to fear intimacy with another. We do not have to fear abandonment betrayal or rejection.

Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

 Fear is said to be the most powerful emotion known to humankind more powerful than love!

But what does God say? “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; You are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

 Fear is one of the enemies’ most powerful weapons that he will use to attack and paralyze us.

Truth, God’s Word, is our greatest weapon against fear. Fear in the heart of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25

 Do not allow fear or anxiety to control you. Instead, choose to guard your heart. Choose to refocus your mind on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. (Philippians 4:8)

 We don’t have to be in control because God is. We don’t have to know our future because God goes before us. When I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3

 Our greatest alternative for fear is:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

 

 Talk to the one who will guard your heart and mind. And remember, “Perfect love casts out fear.” (John 4:18)

Do something good for your heart this month. Take a good deep breath and take a walk in the beautiful creation God gave to us. Talk to Him and give Him thanks for a healthy heart.

 Don’t worry about tomorrow God is already there and He loves you and He is saying to you “Be strong and do not be afraid.” (Isaiah 35:4)

God is greater than all our fears and uncertainties, so when those uncertainties tell us to be afraid Jesus speaks to us and says “Peace be still”.