Encouragement for Today

July 30, 2025 The Ties That Bind JENNI LORD Lee en español

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted …” Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)

For so long, I tried to white-knuckle my way through life. I held on to control as tightly as possible.

You see, I had a lot of childhood pain, including a shattered family and the instability of multiple moves. As I grew up, I thought if I could just be strong enough or “put together” enough, I would never experience the feeling of abandonment again.

But the healing I needed didn’t come through striving. It came through surrender to Jesus.

Scripture tells us that Jesus came “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1). These are not just poetic words; they are a divine declaration. When Jesus stood in the temple and announced who He was in Luke 4:18, He chose to quote this very passage penned 700 years prior by Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted …” (Isaiah 61:1).

Jesus was sharing His mission to heal, restore, and reconnect us to the heart of a good Father. Reconnection brings healing.

God sees. He hears. He knows. He comes to the broken parts of us — not just the visible wounds but the fractures buried beneath our armor. Jesus doesn’t walk away from pain. He walks straight into the messiest places and draws close where we’ve felt abandoned. He gently mends the tears. His scarred hands begin the sacred work of binding up what’s been broken.

This is what He has done and is still doing for me. And for you.

What heartache do you carry today? Maybe it’s a diagnosis, broken trust, or a wayward child. You don’t have to suffer alone.

Jesus came to reconnect you with the One who never turns away, who calls you precious and delights in you. You no longer have to be an orphan fending for yourself. In Him, you are brought near, embraced, and adopted.

Amid challenging circumstances, you and I may often default to self-reliance rather than running back to the Father. But together, let’s remember who God says we are — chosen and beloved. Even those sacred words are a balm of healing. We can find comfort in relishing how He defines us.

Wherever you find yourself — hiding, hurting, or maybe just tired — know this: Jesus came for you. To bind up your broken heart. To reconnect you to the heart of a loving Father.

You can let Him into your tender places today. His ties that bind are stronger than anything that’s tried to break you.

Jesus, I surrender my striving. You restore, and I welcome You into every corner of my story. Thank You for pursuing me. Reconnect me to Your heart and the truth of who I am. Heal what I cannot. I trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Chosen helps children heal from relational trauma through connection and attachment. By empowering foster and adoptive parents to lead real change in their families, Chosen equips caregivers with trauma-responsive approaches to restore hope and bring healing. Learn more here, and join the movement to help 100,000 people heal from trauma.

If you’re a parent, maybe you’ve wondered why your child pushes you away, especially when all you want is for them to lean in. Sometimes our past experiences shape how we respond in those moments, often without us even realizing it. That’s why our friends at Chosen are offering a special interactive webinar just for Proverbs 31 Ministries readers. You’ll explore different attachment styles; gain insight into how your story may be influencing your reactions; and learn practical tools to build stronger, more connected relationships at home. Access this exclusive training for just $10 at chosen.care/p31.

ENGAGE

For more from Jenni, check out this video on how God is always pursuing connection with us, intimately inviting healing into the broken places of our stories. You can download a free assessment here to help you reflect on your connection with God.

You can also connect with Jenni at her website, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (NIV).

What part of your heart feels disconnected or wounded right now? How is Jesus inviting you to surrender rather than strive? Share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Jenni Lord. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Chosen for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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