Dear Church,
 
The Bible says God is “close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18).  Being brokenhearted and having our spirits crushed can feel so heavy on our hearts because we do not have what we once did or what we thought we should have and we have no control over the grief this brings.  When we lose something or someone we suddenly feel part of us is ripped away. Our body also reacts to grief, anger, sadness, and fear.  When we are at this place, we suddenly realize we need something beyond ourselves to calm and restore our broken heartedness.
 
This psalm reminds us that for the brokenhearted, God gives nearness.  Our God sees and knows the impact that having a crushed spirit has on our soul and God empathizes and gives us the courage to breathe and live again. Only God can bring about mercy and goodness in our brokenness, nothing else can, nothing else will.  Why?  Because he is sovereign, and he works all things together for the good of those who love him.  We may not understand this when stuff happens, but this is where we need to lean on Him.
 
Let’s pray,
 
Lord, even though your presence is not always felt, your word tells us that you are close to the brokenhearted.  Lord help those who are struggling to feel your nearness, then enjoy the transcending peace that it gives.  Lord, when we remember that you are close to our heart, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles. Thank you, Father, for your mercies are new every morning. Only in you Lord can I experience nearness and relief, only in you Lord can I be alive, only in you Lord can I have peace and hope. Amen

(Please pray this prayer for you and those whom you know who are brokenhearted and crushed in their spirit)
 
Be Encouraged,
Mathews