God Is Close to the Brokenhearted
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” — Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
After losing her son unexpectedly, Christian author and speaker Kay Warren described grief as a “companion that never leaves.” She shared in an interview that in the deepest nights of sorrow, what kept her going was not an explanation but God’s presence. “The nearness of God,” she said, “was my only lifeline.”[1]
Grief has a way of isolating us. It whispers, “No one understands,” and tempts us to retreat into silence and despair. Yet the Bible offers a profoundly comforting promise: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." This is not a generic platitude—it’s a deeply personal assurance. God doesn’t observe our suffering from afar; He draws near to us in it.
The second part of Psalm 34:18 says God “rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” The Hebrew word translated as "those who are crushed" implies someone who has lost his strength and will. Perhaps you’ve been there, when just getting out of bed feels impossible, when laughter seems like a distant memory. It is in that fragile space that God draws the nearest. He doesn’t wait for us to “get over it.” He meets us in the middle of it.
His closeness may not remove the ache instantly, but it sustains us moment by moment. Sometimes, God’s nearness shows up through the gentle word of a friend, a song that stirs your soul, or an unexplainable peace that wraps around your heart. His rescue doesn’t always look like removal—it often feels like companionship.
Practical Application:
Today, if your heart is heavy, simply whisper, “God, I need You near.” Let His nearness become your comfort and His presence be your rescue.
Reflection:
How have you experienced God’s closeness in moments of grief or deep sorrow?
Prayer:
Lord, You promise to be near the brokenhearted, and I’m holding onto that promise today. I don’t need all the answers—I just need You. Thank You for being close to me, even when I feel crushed. Help me to feel Your presence and know I’m never alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read More: Isaiah 43:2; Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Psalm 147:3; Romans 8:26–27
[1] Kay Warren, “Finding God in the Midst of Tragedy,” Focus on the Family Broadcast, accessed March 10, 2023.
