​​​​​“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 assures that God is near to those who are grieving and brokenhearted, offering His presence as comfort.
 

Note: God’s closeness to the brokenhearted offers a deep sense of solace during times of sadness.
 

Context:

Psalm 34 is a psalm of David, written when he was in a difficult and dangerous situation (1 Samuel 21). David had been fleeing from King Saul, and this psalm expresses both his gratitude for God's deliverance and his trust in God’s protection. In the psalm, David speaks of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and care for the righteous. Psalm 34:18 highlights God's nearness to those who are experiencing sorrow, grief, or brokenness.
 

Breaking Down the Verse:
 

1. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted..."

• The word "brokenhearted" refers to those who are grieved, wounded, or crushed emotionally. It signifies a person who is in deep sorrow, pain, or mourning—whether due to loss, rejection, failure, or some other form of suffering.
   

• "The Lord is close" indicates that God does not remain distant or aloof from those who are suffering. Rather, He is near, offering His comfort, compassion, and presence. God draws close to those who are in pain, demonstrating His empathy and care for them.
   

• This is a powerful reminder that God’s love is especially near to those in their darkest moments. He doesn’t turn away when we are hurting, but instead, He draws near to offer comfort and hope.
   

2. "And saves those who are crushed in spirit."

• "Crushed in spirit" refers to a state of being deeply discouraged, broken, or feeling defeated. It is an emotional state where a person feels empty, hopeless, or weighed down by the burdens of life.
   

• God promises to save those who are crushed in spirit. The term "save" here can refer to both spiritual rescue and physical or emotional deliverance. God’s salvation includes not just eternal salvation but also His intervention in our current trials—delivering us from despair, healing our brokenness, and giving us the strength to continue.
   

• Salvation in this context involves both the healing of the heart and the lifting of the spirit from despair. It is God’s way of restoring us when we feel spiritually or emotionally wrecked.
   

Key Themes:

1. God’s Compassion for the Brokenhearted:

   • Psalm 34:18 highlights the tender heart of God toward those who are suffering. God is not distant from pain or grief, but He draws near to comfort those who are brokenhearted. It underscores that God cares deeply for those who are in emotional turmoil, grief, or despair.
      

   • This is a message of hope for those who may feel alone in their suffering. God’s heart is for the hurting, and He is always ready to offer His comfort and peace.
      

2. God’s Presence in Times of Sorrow:

   • The verse reinforces the idea that God is near in our darkest moments. In times of grief or loss, it can feel like we are isolated or abandoned, but this verse assures us that God is close—even when we can’t feel His presence, He is actively near, working to bring healing and peace.
      

   • The nearness of God to the brokenhearted is not a passive nearness but an active presence that provides comfort, understanding, and hope.
      

3. Healing and Restoration:

   • God is portrayed here as not just a comforter, but also a healer. He is the one who saves, delivering us from the weight of despair and healing the wounds of the heart.
      

   • This verse speaks to the restorative power of God. He has the power to heal crushed spirits, offering emotional and spiritual recovery. God does not just stand by and observe our suffering; He is actively involved in bringing restoration and renewal.
      

4. The Universality of God’s Care:

   • The verse applies to anyone who is brokenhearted or crushed in spirit, not just a select few. It is a universal promise of God’s care for those in need. Whether the pain comes from loss, failure, betrayal, or any other kind of distress, God is near to those who are hurting.
      

   • The verse invites us to bring our pain and brokenness to God, knowing that He cares deeply for us.
      

Application for Believers:

1. Comfort in Times of Sorrow:

   • This verse offers hope and comfort to those going through difficult emotional times. If you’re feeling brokenhearted, whether from personal loss, disappointment, or emotional pain, you can take comfort in the promise that God is close to you. He is not indifferent to your pain but is near, ready to comfort and restore.
      

2. Seek God in Your Brokenness:

   • If you are struggling emotionally or spiritually, this verse encourages you to draw near to God. He invites you to bring your pain, sorrow, and despair to Him because He is ready to listen and help. This is a call to seek God’s presence, not just in times of joy, but especially in moments of sorrow.
      

3. God Understands Your Pain:

   • God’s closeness to the brokenhearted also means that He understands your pain. He is not distant or unfamiliar with suffering; He sees your struggles, and He deeply cares. Jesus, too, was acquainted with sorrow (Isaiah 53:3), so He knows what it feels like to be brokenhearted. You are not alone in your suffering—God walks with you through it.
      

4. Trust in God’s Restoration:

   • If you are feeling crushed in spirit, trust that God is able to restore and heal you. He can give you the strength to carry on, and He has the power to bring healing to your wounded heart. While your healing may take time, remember that God’s faithfulness is unchanging, and He will not leave you in your pain.
      

5. God's Ongoing Care:

   • Whether you’re in the midst of a trial or not, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s care for you is constant. Even when things are going well, know that He is close to you and that His love remains unwavering. His nearness is not just for times of crisis but is a continuous reality for believers.
      

Summary:

Psalm 34:18 is a powerful reminder of God’s nearness and care for those who are in pain. It assures us that God is close to the brokenhearted—He does not abandon us in our grief, but draws near to offer comfort and healing. Whether we are grieving loss, feeling crushed in spirit, or going through difficult times, God is there to save us, lifting us from despair and restoring our souls. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s ability to heal and to seek His presence, knowing that He is always near to those who are hurting.

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Additional Information:

Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>

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