Healing the heart: Finding God’s comfort in life’s deepest pain

No one goes through life unscathed by pain or hardship. In fact, we’re guaranteed to face them. In John 16:33 [NIV], Jesus says, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Too often, when trials come, we push down the negative emotions that surface. We think that, because Jesus overcame the world, we shouldn’t feel troubled. But we were created to feel, and even Jesus experienced deep emotion [John 11:35]. Ignoring what our hearts and bodies are communicating has consequences because suppressed emotions linger, affecting our relationships, habits, and even physical health.

Here are five scriptural principles to pursue healing for your heart:

1. Bring your pain before God

Genuine healing begins when we come honestly before God with our hurt. Crying out, writing down your prayers, and lamenting before Him releases emotional weight. The Psalms are full of raw, honest expression—they remind us that God already knows our hearts, so we can freely bring Him every emotion.

Reflect on these passages as you come before God:

• Psalm 62:8 [NIV] — “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
• Psalm 34:18 [NIV] — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
• 1 Peter 5:7 [NIV] — “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
• Psalm 23:4 [NIV] — “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”

2. Facing rejection? Rest in God’s love

If you’ve faced rejection, your heart may say, “I’m not enough… nobody will stay.” But Scripture speaks truth: “You are deeply, unconditionally loved.” No matter how others treat you or how many times you’ve been rejected, your Heavenly Father—who knows you completely—chooses you and will never leave you.

Consider these verses:

• Jeremiah 31:3 [NIV] — “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
• Romans 8:38–39 [NIV] — “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

3. Forgive and release

Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the offense; it frees your heart from bitterness and bondage. Healing truly takes root when we let go of the desire for retaliation and entrust justice to God.

Scriptures on forgiveness:

• Ephesians 4:32 [NIV] — “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
• Romans 12:19 [NIV] — “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath… ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

4. Surround yourself with Godly community

Isolation doesn’t produce healing—you’re not meant to walk through heartbreak alone. Biblical community offers support, wise counsel, and an environment that encourages growth and restoration.

Scriptures that highlight the importance of community:

• Galatians 6:2 [NIV] — “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
• Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 [NIV] — “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up…”

5. Trust God’s timing for healing

Healing isn’t instantaneous. Setbacks don’t mean you’ll feel this pain forever—they’re simply part of the healing journey. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 [NIV] says, “There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Your time to laugh and dance will come again.