The LORD Is Near — Psalm 34:17–18
Pain can sometimes make God feel far away.
When a heart has been deeply hurt, it can be difficult to sense much of anything beyond the hurt itself.
Psalm 34 offers an important assurance:
Psalm 34:17–18
“17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”
— Psalm 34:17–18 WEBU
Reflection / Encouragement
The passage begins with a cry.
“The righteous cry…”
There is no suggestion that faithful people never become overwhelmed.
Sometimes faith cries.
Sometimes prayer is spoken through tears.
Sometimes all we can manage is a few honest words to God.
And the verse tells us:
“the LORD hears.”
Our prayers do not need to be eloquent before God listens.
He hears the cry.
Then verse 18 gives one of Scripture’s most tender assurances:
“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart…”
Pain can make us feel isolated.
A broken heart may even make God seem farther away than before.
But our feelings do not determine his distance.
Scripture says he is near.
God does not avoid the hurting.
He does not wait until we have repaired ourselves before drawing close.
He comes near to the brokenhearted.
And he “saves those who have a crushed spirit.”
If your heart feels heavy today, bring that heart honestly before him.
You do not have to pretend that everything is fine.
Cry if you need to cry.
Pray whatever words you can find.
And remember this:
The LORD hears.
The LORD is near.
A Quiet Moment
If your heart feels heavy today, take a quiet moment to speak honestly with God.
Return to The Quiet Lamp tomorrow for another daily Scripture and encouragement.