Nearness

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

Throughout life in this fallen world, surely we all know something of brokenheartedness and a crushed spirit. Maybe we try and brush such feelings under the carpet. Yet God is near to those who feel like that.

We might feel like God is distant when we're brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. We might assume He blesses those who are rich and 'have it all together'. We might think He's some distant, unfeeling force way out there in the universe.

Thankfully, God doesn't just sympathise with us in our weaknesses. He's able to empathise with us. The Lord Jesus Christ became one of us so that we can become saved from our crushed spirits and brokenheartedness.

God hates pride and loves humility. Sometimes it takes our hearts to be broken and our spirits to be crushed before we realise our need of Him. God doesn't sadistically let us be hurt. He wants to save us to hurt no more for eternity.

'Lord our God, please draw near to us in our brokenheartedness, and save us who are crushed in spirit. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen'

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