Today's Reading: Psalm 34

 

Near to the Brokenhearted

We are in the period of David’s life where he has become a prolific writer of musical lyrics that will one day be compiled into the Book of Psalms. The Hebrew word for Psalms is “Tehillim,” which literally translated means “Praises.”  Thus, the Book of Psalms is a compilation of praises in the form of Hebrew poems, songs, and prayers.  David was a poet and harp player and is credited with writing about half of the 150 Psalms found in our Old Testament.  Many of these poems and songs came to be used by the choirs that sang in Israel’s temple worship services.  And many are still sung today as a means of worship by the Christian church around the world.

Psalm 34 is a poem that invites the reader to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Verse 8). It is a song about the goodness of God and all the blessings that He brings to those who seek Him and praise Him continually.  Some of these blessings include: gladness, freedom from fear, radiant faces, not being ashamed, protection, having no lack, living and loving many days, prayers that are heard, deliverance from affliction, and the promise of redemption.  Wow!  What an amazing song/poem.  It is a song that should be always on our hearts.

In verse 18, David says that the “LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”  It is one of the amazing characteristics of our God that He recognizes our moments of disappointment and sorrow and makes it His undertaking to come alongside us with His nearness and saving presence.

We all go through periods in our lives when we are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.  Perhaps a relationship has broken down, or a loved one has passed away, or an opportunity has been lost, or sickness has afflicted our body or the body of a loved one, or the pain of loneliness has set in.  In one way or another, brokenheartedness is part of the human experience.  When those crushing moments come, we must respond by remembering that our God is near and wants to save us with His grace and love.  There are three key points to see in this promise from God.

First, GOD IS CLOSE.  He is ever present. There is nowhere we can go, or nothing we can go through where God is not there.  If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).  When difficulties and sadness come your way, don’t pull away from God. Instead, let His comforting Spirit encircle your broken heart.

Second, He is near TO THE BROKEN HEARTED. It is often the brokenhearted who see Him best and sense His comforting presence the most. He is not a God who is unaffected by our pain.  He longs to bring comfort and encouragement to our downcast souls.

Finally, HE SAVES THE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT. This statement takes God’s work a step further.  He not only is near, but He wants to intervene in our moments of brokenheartedness. His nearness is there to save us.  He is a mighty saving God and is in the business of restoring your joy, your confidence, your hope, and your salvation.