God is Near to the Brokenhearted

What a treasure God’s friendship is to His chosen ones. When we face the storms He ordains in our lives, how precious is His presence to us.

But what about when we don’t feel the nearness He promises? When life has broken us down and our spirits are crushed to dust? Is He present when unimaginable grief strikes?

Let’s learn from a king.

David was no stranger to hardship as he awaited the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise to be king. During this season of waiting, he was running and fighting for his life. In Psalm 34:18, David gives us the answer to the questions above: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit” (CSB).

David is exhorting us as children to learn that Jehovah, the ever-existing one, is near. Not just close in proximity, but close in relationship to us. Near enough to accept us and comfort us. Many of David’s nomadic comrades are described as “desperate, in debt, or discontented” (1 Sam. 22:2, CSB). Just as David didn’t shy away from those crushed by the storms of life, his descendant and our forever king, Jehovah, has bound Himself to broken people as their Redeemer.

When life breaks us down to pieces, God is present, relating to our brokenness (Heb. 4:15). When storms of life cloud our vision, our human hearts doubt that God is near and working His perfect plan. When we find ourselves in this place, let us be comforted and rest in the promise of the nearness of our Redeemer.

Psalm 34:18 also teaches us that we have a guarantee that Jehovah will deliver us. Paul confirms this truth in Romans 8:37 (when he states, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (CSB). So, my dear sister, when your spirit is crushed, will your heart rest in the sure deliverance that will come? Since God loved us so much that, “He did not even spare His own Son but offered him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything?” (Rom. 8:32, CSB) This everything includes rescue from our distress.

What is crushing your spirit today? What storm clouds are keeping you from feeling the rays of God’s presence? Will you choose to trust what His Word promises? Will you cling to the truth that your Father is near and rescue will come?

Meet the Author
JoAnna Baird

JoAnna, her husband of 3 years, Daniel, and their one year old daughter reside in Greenville, SC. Her days are filled with the joyful mundane tasks of being a homemaker and mother. She is passionate about pointing others to Jesus through the truths and promises found in His Word.

When time allows, JoAnna dabbles in her hobbies of sewing, baking, thrifting, and gardening. Her ideal day would begin with coffee followed by spending time with family building lifelong memories.