Two-minute read.
Grieving over a broken relationship, my thoughts started to spiral into the “what-ifs” and “whys,” a place that does no good. At that moment, my Bible Widget, an hourly app that has scriptures and quotes, popped up with a notification on my phone:
“It can hurt when letting go isn’t your choice, but it hurts more to hold on to what God is asking you to release.” Anonymous
Immediately, I felt the Lord’s closeness to my situation and refreshment for my crushed spirit. When we lean into the Savior, He leans into us. Whatever trial we face, He faces it with us, not distant, but close. Jesus felt the pain we feel, He understands our heartache, and He comforts us in it. His heart breaks with ours.
David wrote this Psalm after a frightening season in his life; fleeing from danger, he relied completely on God’s protection. Through this experience, David learned the Lord draws near in suffering.
In elementary school, I broke my wrist. That night, as I lay writhing in pain, my Mom slept with me, holding me in her arms, comforting me. God does the same thing for us. When we suffer, He holds us close. David assures us that the Lord comes closest in our deepest sorrows. We may not feel His presence, but the Savior’s faithful character guarantees it.
When we have a crushed spirit, we feel overwhelmed, defeated, or unable to move forward. God’s rescue may come through His comfort, His Word, the support of other believers, or His sustaining grace, which carries us through difficult seasons. Sometimes the Lord changes our circumstances; other times He changes us within the circumstances.
David teaches us that brokenness doesn’t push God away but draws Him closer. When our hearts hurt, the Lord comes near, seeing our pain and caring deeply for our struggles. Healing takes time; God walks with us through every step. No matter how deep the sorrow, the Savior comforts us in it and helps us persevere.
Our pain may not disappear overnight, but we will notice God’s presence in small ways, like a phone notification, encouragement from Scripture, a peaceful moment in prayer, or a friend who checks in on us at exactly the right time. Not a promise for the future, Jesus comes close to us today, now, in our present reality.
Journal Questions:
- When do you feel most emotionally overwhelmed?
- What comfort do you need today?
- How has God helped you before?
Stressbuster:
Sit quietly and practice deep breathing for five minutes.
