In the journey of life, each of us encounters moments that leave us
wounded, whether through personal experiences, relationships, or the
challenges of leadership. For women building ministries, careers,
communities, and families, understanding the impact of a wounded heart is
crucial. The Bible provides profound insights into recognizing these wounds
and offers guidance for healing and restoration.
Identifying a Wounded Heart
A wounded heart can manifest in various ways, often affecting our ability to
lead, teach, and nurture effectively. The stories of Naomi, Hannah, and
Tamar illustrate the profound impact of unresolved pain. Naomi, in her grief,
renamed herself Mara, meaning "bitter," reflecting how her heartache
shaped her identity (Ruth 1:19-21). Similarly, Hannah's distress over her
childlessness led her to deep anguish and prayer (1 Samuel 1:6-10).
Tamar's tragic experience with Amnon left her in seclusion and sorrow (2
Samuel 13:1-20).
The Dangers of Building with a Wounded Heart
Ladies, as builders in ministry, business, family, and community, we must
recognize this truth: what we carry in our hearts directly impacts what we
create with our hands. If we are not careful, we can allow unhealed wounds
to distort not only our vision but also the legacy God is calling us to build.
Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows
from it. When our hearts are wounded, the flow can become contaminated,
and the outcomes can be far from God’s best.
Let’s look at the lives of Naomi, Ruth, Hannah, and Tamar. Each of these
women faced deep wounds and difficult circumstances. Naomi lost her
husband and both of her sons, leaving her grieving and bitter. She even
renamed herself Mara, meaning "bitter," because of the weight of her pain.
Yet, despite her wounded heart, she chose to return to Bethlehem,
positioning herself for restoration. Naomi’s decision to guide Ruth in faith
rather than wallow in despair reminds us that even in brokenness, God can
work through us to build something greater.
Ruth, Naomi’s daughter-in-law, also suffered deep loss. She lost her
husband and her sense of security, but instead of retreating, she chose
loyalty to Naomi and trust in God’s plan. Ruth walked into an unknown
future with faith, refusing to let grief redefine her purpose. Because of her
faithfulness, God used her to build a legacy that would ultimately lead to the
lineage of Jesus Christ.
Tamar’s story, however, shows us the dangers of unaddressed wounds.
Betrayed and wronged by those who should have protected her, Tamar
acted from a place of desperation, seeking justice on her own terms. Her
story reveals how unresolved pain can make us vulnerable, leading to
choices that lack discernment.
Hannah teaches yet another vital lesson. Her barrenness brought years of
grief and ridicule, but she didn’t allow bitterness to take root. Instead, she
poured out her heart to God in prayer. In her surrender, God turned her pain
into purpose, giving her Samuel, a prophet who would anoint kings and play
a pivotal role in Israel’s history.
Each of these women shows us that wounds, while real and often deep,
don’t have to define our destiny. Whether you’re like Naomi, struggling with
bitterness; like Ruth, seeking direction; like Tamar, wrestling with injustice;
or like Hannah, enduring prolonged grief—God’s healing power can redeem
every story. It starts with surrender, allowing God to turn pain into purpose
and brokenness into beauty.
Now, let’s reflect on the dangers of building from a wounded heart:
Distorted Understanding
When pain clouds our perspective, it can lead to misinterpretations of God’s
truth. Like a cracked lens, unresolved wounds can skew our understanding,
causing us to filter God’s Word through personal grievances. This is why
Proverbs 4:23 is so vital—if the heart isn’t right, the message won’t be
either.
Bitterness and Resentment
Unhealed wounds can breed bitterness, which doesn’t just affect us but
spreads to others. Hebrews 12:15 warns that a bitter root defiles many.
When bitterness takes the lead, it becomes impossible to build relationships,
ministries, or businesses that reflect God’s grace.
Impaired Judgment
Emotional wounds can cloud our decisions, leading us to prioritize personal
vindication over God’s will. James 3:14-16 reminds us that bitter envy and
selfish ambition lead to disorder. Think of King Saul—his jealousy and
insecurity blinded him to the anointing on David, sabotaging his legacy.
Lack of Empathy
When we’re consumed by our own pain, it can be hard to see others clearly.
This hinders our ability to lead and serve effectively. Ephesians 4:31-32 calls
us to be kind and compassionate, forgiving as God has forgiven us. A
wounded heart struggles to extend grace.
Compromised Witness
Finally, teaching or building from a wounded heart can compromise our
witness. 1 Peter 2:1 urges us to rid ourselves of malice, deceit, and
hypocrisy. When our actions don’t align with our message, we risk
undermining the very work God has called us to do.
Ladies, the solution is not to avoid building but to invite God into the healing
process. Like Ruth, we must leave behind the fields of grief and step into the
fields of grace. Like Hannah, we must pour out our pain in God’s presence
and let Him turn it into purpose.
Before laying another brick or drafting another plan, ask yourself: Am I
building from a place of wholeness or woundedness? Bring your broken
pieces to the Master Builder. God can do more with a healed heart than we
ever could with a fractured one. Let Him restore what’s been lost, redeem
what’s been stolen, and rebuild what’s been broken. Only then can we build
something that stands the test of time and glorifies His name.
Your healing is not just for you, it’s for the generations coming after you.
Surrender the wounds and let the Architect of Heaven establish a foundation
that will never crumble. You’re not just a builder; you are His evidence in the
earth. Healing and Restoration are essential for effective ministry and
leadership. Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort, reminding us that God is with us,
strengthening and upholding us. Psalms 147:3 assures us that He heals the
brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The journey to healing involves
acknowledging our pain and seeking restoration through prayer, counseling,
or mentorship. Psalms 34:18 emphasizes that the Lord is near to the
heartbroken and saves those crushed in spirit.
Embracing a New Beginning As women striving to build ministries,
businesses, and families, embracing healing allows us to lead with
authenticity and compassion. Isaiah 43:18-19 encourages us to forget the
former things and embrace the new work God is doing in our lives. In the
face of challenges, remember that God collects our tears and records them
in His book (Psalms 56:8). His peace, as promised in John 14:27, calms us
in every circumstance, providing courage and strength.
Conclusion A wounded heart, when left unhealed, can destroy trust,
relationships, and dreams. However, by seeking healing and embracing
God’s promises, we can transform our pain into a powerful testimony of His
grace and love. As women building in ministry, business, and family, let us
strive to lead from a place of wholeness, offering teachings that uplift and
reflect God’s truth.