“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

Broken and poured out. That’s the phrase descriptive of a woman’s sacrifice of perfume. It’s also a clear picture of what Jesus did for us on the cross. At the same time, it can be an accurate picture of our own experience when we go from being broken to being used in a powerful and personal way to accomplish God’s plan.

Here’s a few questions to talk over with your family or friends:

1. When we talk of brokeness in our lives, what comes to mind that you’re willing to share?

2. Share a time God was able to use you’re pain to help someone else as they struggled through their own?

3. What’s the most powerful lesson you’ve learned through a time of brokeness? What did you learn about God? What did you learn about yourself?

4. How does all of this help you to know how to pray in the midst of pain and brokeness?

“If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” (Psalm 34:18 MSG)