Today’s Reading: Psalm 34
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 Psalm 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.
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