Closer Than You Think

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Today's verse mentions two conditions of the human heart we’ve all experienced: being brokenhearted and feeling crushed. Some of us may be in that place right now—grieving a loss, wrestling with questions, or carrying burdens that feel too heavy.

David was no stranger to these emotions. In 1 Samuel 21:10-15, he fled for his life and pretended to be insane before King Achish just to survive. Fear, desperation, and humiliation pressed in on him. Yet out of that experience, he later wrote Psalm 34, testifying that God is near to the brokenhearted.

The Hebrew words here are vivid: brokenhearted means shattered, splintered, unable to hold together. Crushed means pressed down, ground into pieces, overwhelmed. David knew these realities, not only in Gath but throughout his life: hunted by Saul, grieving the loss of Jonathan, lamenting over his own failures. And yet, he discovered that God’s nearness was not diminished by his weakness—it was intensified. 

We see this same truth in Jesus, who wept at Lazarus’s tomb, and in the disciples, who felt crushed with grief and uncertainty after Jesus’ ascension in Acts 1. In each case, God’s presence broke through despair with hope.

Whatever is happening in your life today—whether sorrow, confusion, or doubt—the Lord is close. He does not wait for us to be strong before He draws near. He comes into the fragments, into the weight, into the questions. And whatever may come in the future, this promise and presence hold together: God’s nearness is an unconditional promise and living presence. His Spirit comforts, strengthens, and lifts us when we cannot lift ourselves. Brokenness becomes the very place where His grace shines brightest.

Lord, Your promise is sure, and Your presence is real. You are near to the brokenhearted, and You save those who are crushed in spirit. Draw close to us today. In our grief, bring comfort. In our questions, bring faith. In our weakness, bring strength. May we recognize Your presence not as distant, but as closer than our breath. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim