God is near to the brokenhearted. What a powerful promise to hold onto in our most painful moments!
Has there been a time in your life when you felt so heartbroken that you didn’t think you’d ever be able to recover? Maybe it was a loss, a disappointment, or a season of intense struggle that left you feeling completely shattered. If you’ve ever been there, this verse will speak directly to you:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV
This verse offers a powerful promise: in the midst of our deepest pain, God is right there, drawing near to us with His comfort and care. God doesn’t shy away from our brokenness—in fact, He draws near. If you’ve ever felt completely shattered, know that this verse is for you. Let’s dive into what it means, how it speaks to God’s character, and how His heart for the brokenhearted has shaped my own walk with Him.
A Personal Story of Brokenness
I remember a season a few years ago, when one of my kids really wanted to make a decision that left me heartbroken. It wasn’t a small choice—this was a huge, life-changing decision. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right time, and that the consequences would bring heartache. While I kept the conversation open, asked deep questions, stayed neutral and understanding, but my heart was breaking. I knew that the path they were running toward would eventually lead to pain.
Psalm 34 in my Bible is covered in notes from this season. So many times I was face down in prayer, asking God to intervene and let His will be done. I prayed for peace if it was the right choice, but I also begged God to make the “No” loud and clear if it wasn’t. I remember how broken I felt, knowing that there was nothing in my human power to change the situation. It was all God. His intervention, His timing, His will. And I had to trust that.
That experience deepened my understanding of Psalm 34:18. I could feel the weight of being crushed in spirit, but I also witnessed firsthand how God draws near in those moments. It’s in our brokenness that we can truly experience the closeness of God, His comfort, and His healing. This verse didn’t just become something I read—it became something I clung to, because in the middle of it all, God was there, holding me together.
God Is Near to the Brokenhearted. God is close to you.
As we explore the deeper meaning of this verse, I want you to remember: God is close to you, too. Whether you’re in the middle of a hard season or reflecting on one you’ve walked through, Psalm 34:18 speaks to the truth that God never leaves us, especially when we’re brokenhearted. Let’s dive deeper into what this means for us.
Hebrew Word Study
- Brokenhearted (נִשְׁבְּרֵי־לֵב, nishberei-lev):
- The word nishberei comes from shabar, meaning “to break or crush.”
- Lev refers to the heart—our emotions, will, and innermost self.
- So, “brokenhearted” isn’t just about feeling sad; it’s about being spiritually shattered, feeling like everything inside is falling apart.
- Crushed in Spirit (דַּכְּאֵי־רוּחַ, dak’kei-ruach):
- Dakah means crushed or oppressed.
- Ruach represents the spirit or breath—our very essence.
- This phrase paints a picture of being crushed in the deepest part of our soul, where no one else can see.
When I read these terms, I think about all the times I’ve felt completely overwhelmed—like nothing could piece me back together. But God promises that, in those moments, He is near.
God’s Character and Attributes in Psalm 34:18
Psalm 34:18 reveals so much about who God is and how He responds to our pain. In times of heartache, we can find great comfort in knowing that God is not distant, but close—right there with us in the middle of our suffering. This verse highlights three key aspects of His character that we can cling to during the most difficult moments of our lives: His compassion, His faithfulness, and His ability to rescue us from despair.
Compassionate: God Sees Our Suffering and Draws Near
God’s compassion is evident throughout scripture, and it’s a characteristic that we can rely on. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses as a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in love. This compassion isn’t just a general feeling of sympathy—it’s an active response. God sees our suffering, and He doesn’t leave us alone in it. Instead, He draws near to us. When we feel brokenhearted or crushed in spirit, God’s heart is moved with tenderness, and He comes close to offer His comfort. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own life.
When I was in the midst of that painful season with my child, God’s compassion wrapped around me like a blanket. There were moments when I couldn’t even find the words to pray, but I felt His presence, drawing near and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. His compassion has a way of soothing the deepest wounds and offering peace when nothing else can.
Faithful: He Doesn’t Leave Us in Our Pain; He Stays with Us
God’s faithfulness is another key aspect of His character. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read, “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on our circumstances or how well we’re doing.
It’s a constant, unwavering truth. Even in the midst of heartache, God is faithful. During the season when I felt so broken, I clung to the fact that God would not leave me in my pain. It often felt like I was drowning in worry, fear, and grief, but God remained steadfast. His faithfulness wasn’t always obvious in the moment, but as time passed, I saw how He had been with me all along, offering me strength to endure and the courage to trust His plans. His faithfulness is what allowed me to keep going when everything around me seemed uncertain.
Rescuer: Even in Our Darkest Moments, God is the One Who Saves
In Psalm 18:2, David calls God his rock, fortress, and deliverer, saying, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” God is not only compassionate and faithful—He is a rescuer. When life feels too heavy to bear, when we are at our lowest, God is the one who rescues us. He doesn’t just stand by while we suffer; He steps in and delivers us from despair.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve experienced God’s rescuing hand in moments of darkness. When I felt completely overwhelmed by circumstances, unsure of what to do or how to move forward, God showed up in powerful ways—whether through a conversation with a friend, a moment of quiet reflection, or a sudden sense of peace that only He could provide. His ability to rescue us doesn’t always mean immediate removal from pain, but it does mean He provides the strength, clarity, and comfort we need to endure and eventually experience healing.
I’ve seen these attributes of God come to life in my own brokenness, and I know that they are available to you, too. When life feels like it’s too much, when you feel like you can’t go on, God is always there, offering His comfort, His faithfulness, and His rescue. We don’t have to carry our burdens alone. In fact, the more we lean into God’s compassionate, faithful, and rescuing nature, the more we will experience His healing presence in our lives. He doesn’t just promise to be near; He promises to save, heal, and restore. And that’s a promise we can always trust.
Biblical Themes and Cross-References
- God’s Nearness:
- Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is near to all who call on Him.”
- James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
- God Comforts the Afflicted:
- Isaiah 57:15 – “I dwell…with him who has a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.”
- God Saves the Humble:
- Isaiah 61:1 – “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted.”
- Matthew 5:3-4 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit…Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Devotional Reflection
As I reflect on Psalm 34:18, I’m reminded of how often I’ve clung to these words when I felt like I had nothing left. Whether it’s the uncertainty of a big life decision, the weight of loss, or the fear of the unknown, I know that God is close. I’ve learned that in those moments of brokenness, God’s nearness is what gets me through.
Personal Questions to Ponder:
- Have you ever experienced a time when God’s nearness brought you comfort in your pain?
- How can you trust that God’s plans are better than your own, especially when you’re hurting?
Reflection Questions and Application
- Can you think of a time when God was near during a difficult season?
- What areas of your life need God’s healing touch today?
- Who in your life needs to hear that God is near? Reach out to them this week.
Action Steps:
- Take a moment each day to read Psalm 34:18 and invite God into your brokenness.
- If you’re in a season of hardship, reflect on how God has been faithful to you in the past.
- Reach out to someone who may be feeling crushed and share this verse with them.
- WRITE: “GOD IS NEAR TO THE BROKENHEARTED”, on a post-it note, and put it on your mirror or close to the coffee! Remind yourself of this TRUTH every single day.
Sweet friend, I know life can be tough, and sometimes it feels like you’re carrying the weight of the world. But remember, God sees you. He is near. He is faithful to heal, restore, and save. God is near to the brokenhearted. No matter where you’re at, He’s with you, always.
Stay wildly faithful.
xoxox, Erin
Did you enjoy this post, “God Is Near to the Brokenhearted”? Continue exploring the rest of our Psalm 34 series here.
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GOD IS NEAR TO THE BROKENHEARTED.
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