and saves the crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:18
This verse reminds us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Even though it may not always feel like it, we have God’s promise that He is close to the brokenhearted and that He saves us when we are crushed in spirit.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
I have been brokenhearted many times in life. I think of the tragic, sudden loss of my brother at age 29. Then 6 months later, how I was equally brokenhearted by the sad, but anticipated loss of my maternal grandmother at age of 87.
I know what it is to be crushed in spirit too; to feel the weight of despair and depression. I know about being humbled and having to ask God and others for forgiveness and help.
But, each time, God has been close and saved me. He hasn’t always changed the circumstances, but He’s given me new mercies each day of strength, hope and people to encourage me. He’s given me His Son, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He’s given me His Holy Spirit to guide, empower and direct me. He’s given me His sure and Holy Word to stand on and promises to claim.
I’m sure the majority of us have been brokenhearted at one time or another and for various reasons. Whether from a betrayal or grief from a loss, being brokenhearted is part of being human. We live in a world where suffering occurs.
Sometimes, it feels like we are being held under the waves when we are brokenhearted or crushed in spirit.
Psalm 42:7 says, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” (NIV)
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. (Psalm 69:2 NLT)
God is close to the brokenhearted to help us when we feel like we are drowning. We can trust Him to be a support for us.
Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” (NLT)
2 Samuel 22:17-20 says, “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. 20 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (NIV)
The same One who created the mighty breakers of the ocean, is the One who is close to the brokenhearted.
The Bible reassures us that the Lord saves the crushed in spirit, because He will not reject us when we are broken or crushed.
Often times, it is when we are humbled that we recognize our need for God and acknowledge our dependence on Him.
Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (NLT)
The High and Lofty One lives forever, and his name is holy. This is what he says: I live in a high and holy place. But I am with those who are crushed and humble. I will renew the spirit of those who are humble and the courage of those who are crushed.” (Isaiah 57:15 GW)
It is incredible that even though God is highly exalted, He is with us when we feel low and crushed. He has compassion for us in our humble state, not to demoralize, but to renew our spirits and give us courage.
God is so good!
How have you experienced God’s closeness when you are brokenhearted?
Has He saved you when you’re crushed in spirit?
Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?
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