“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
Some days, our hearts don’t just feel heavy—they feel shattered. Maybe it’s grief, addiction, guilt, family struggles, loneliness, or that quiet ache that shows up for no clear reason at all. On those days, it’s easy to believe God is far away, watching from a distance while we try to hold ourselves together.
This verse says the exact opposite. It doesn’t say, “The Lord is close to the strong,” or “The Lord is close to the people who have it all figured out.” It says He is close to the brokenhearted. Right there in the middle of the mess, in the tears, in the confusion, in the “I don’t know how to do this” moments—God draws near.
“Crushed in spirit” is a strong phrase. It’s that feeling when you’re exhausted on the inside. When you’re tired of fighting the same battles. When depression, anxiety, addiction, or regret feel like they’re winning. God doesn’t look at that and walk away in disappointment. According to this verse, that’s exactly when He steps in to save, to lift, to comfort, and to carry what you can’t.
So what do we do with a verse like this today?
- Be honest with God. You don’t have to fake being “okay.” Tell Him where it hurts.
- Let your pain pull you toward Him, not away. If your heart is breaking, that doesn’t disqualify you—it actually means you’re the kind of person this verse is talking about.
- Reach out to someone. A friend, a sponsor, a family member, a pastor, a therapist. God often uses people as proof that He’s still close.
- Remind yourself of this truth: “I may feel alone, but I am not abandoned. God is near to me right now.”
If your heart feels broken today, this verse is for you. Not for “churchy people,” not for “perfect people”— for you, right where you are. God is closer than your next breath, and He has not given up on you.
You’re not alone.
— Josh Bridges
YOU {R} NOT ALONE YOU HAVE A VOICE! 