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​​​​“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
–Psalm 34:18
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Annotation: This verse speaks to God’s nearness to those in emotional pain, offering comfort to the lonely and brokenhearted.
Note: Even in moments of loneliness and brokenness, God is near and offers His saving presence.
This verse is a powerful expression of God's nearness and compassion toward those who are suffering, hurting, or in pain. It reveals something deeply personal about God's character—His willingness to be present with and care for those in distress.
Breaking Down the Verse:
1. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted...”
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The word "brokenhearted" refers to those who are emotionally devastated, typically due to loss, grief, or disappointment. It describes people who have experienced deep sorrow, pain, or anguish—people whose hearts have been shattered by life's trials.
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The phrase "close to" speaks of God’s nearness and presence. God doesn’t remain distant or indifferent in times of human suffering. Instead, He draws near to those in emotional pain and sorrow. He is not detached or uninterested, but intimately present with those who are brokenhearted.
This shows that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles, but is especially near to those who are in deep emotional pain.
2. “And saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
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The term "crushed in spirit" refers to individuals who are weighed down by hopelessness, despair, or discouragement. It can describe someone who feels spiritually defeated, overwhelmed, or oppressed by life's burdens. This may also refer to a sense of being broken or worn out from repeated hardships or deep emotional wounds.
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To be saved in this context means that God brings deliverance, healing, and restoration. The Lord doesn’t leave those who are crushed by life's struggles in their broken state. Instead, He rescues, comforts, and restores them. God intervenes in their lives to heal their spirits, bring peace, and restore hope.
Overall Meaning:
Psalm 34:18 reveals that God is especially close to those who are suffering and hurting. It assures believers that God is not indifferent to grief, sorrow, or spiritual pain but is intimately near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. This is a powerful message of comfort for anyone who feels abandoned, overwhelmed, or crushed by life’s difficulties.
The verse offers hope that God brings healing and restoration to those who are emotionally or spiritually broken. He is a God of compassion, drawing near to those in their most vulnerable moments, ready to bring salvation, peace, and renewal.
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Key Themes:
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God’s Nearness in Suffering: The Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. This shows that God is present with His people during times of sorrow and emotional pain. He is not distant or unreachable in our distress but draws near to comfort and heal.
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God’s Compassion: The verse emphasizes God’s compassionate nature. He does not ignore or disregard those who are hurting. Instead, He actively seeks to comfort, heal, and restore them. This is a reflection of His deep love and care for His people.
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Healing and Restoration: God promises to save, restore, and heal those who are emotionally and spiritually crushed. While the world may bring pain, God offers restoration and hope to the brokenhearted.
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Hope in Despair: For those who are weighed down by despair, this verse offers hope. Even in the darkest moments, God is present and working to bring deliverance. His presence in our suffering is a reminder that we are not alone, and He is actively at work to restore us.
Application for Believers:
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Finding Comfort in God’s Presence: If you are feeling brokenhearted or crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:18 assures you that God is near to you. In times of emotional distress, you can find comfort knowing that God is not far off but is close and ready to bring healing.
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Trusting God in Times of Pain: This verse calls believers to trust that God is at work in the midst of suffering. Even when we don’t see the immediate resolution, we can have hope that God will save and restore us in His perfect timing.
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Encouraging Others: If you know someone who is struggling with heartbreak or discouragement, this verse is a reminder to share the hope of God’s nearness with them. Let them know that God is close and that He is in the business of restoring those who are broken.
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Embracing God’s Healing: This verse also invites us to embrace God’s healing when we are hurting. It’s a reminder that, even in our emotional or spiritual pain, we can seek God’s presence and trust in His power to bring restoration and peace.
Summary:
Psalm 34:18 is a comforting verse that highlights God's nearness to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. It assures us that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering but is deeply compassionate and actively involved in healing and restoring those who are struggling. For anyone facing emotional pain, this verse offers hope that God is near, ready to bring salvation, healing, and peace. It reminds us that in our deepest moments of sorrow, God is present, offering His comforting, restorative love.
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Additional Information:
Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>
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