“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

For some reason, loneliness always accompanies brokenness. When we have been spiritually crushed by something, we feel isolated, even abandoned. This feeling compounds our anguish. But there is something incredible that can take place to counteract this: when we are hurting, the sense of someone’s presence who truly loves us can relieve a great deal of pain, even if the problem that caused the brokenness is in no way solved. I like to refer to this as the “ministry of presence.” Psalm 34:18 does not mean God is closer to broken people than he is to happy people. Instead, it is a reminder that, even in those times of deep pain, you are still surrounded by the most powerful love in the universe.

But there is more to this verse than just that truth. God’s presence does not only comfort us, it saves us. The deepest, darkest, most crushing spiritual pain that you can experience is the realization (or recollection) of your own wretchedness. In this case, it is not just God’s presence that we need, it is God’s salvation. If you have been crushed by your sinfulness, then God has opened salvation to you. If you have been saved from your sins and made righteous by Christ, then God’s presence should be your constant reminder that you need not feel crushed and brokenhearted any longer.

Heavenly Father, where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in the deepest darkest place, you are there. If I fly on the wings of the dawn and settle down on the western horizon, even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me (Psalm 139:7-10). Thank you for always being near when I am broken hearted and rescuing me when I am crushed. Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon