The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
Psalm 34 v 18 " The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed".
I'm sure you have probably heard this scripture many times. I have used it many times trying to bring comfort to those who are going through difficult situations, but over the last few years this scripture and all of Psalm 34 has become very real to me but in a very different understanding, not just as a comfort but it has become more a strength and a personal testimony.
I will try to explain, as simply as I can. I know that God is very near to all, as many Preachers and Teachers will remind us that he is only a prayer away. And that anyone who calls on his name shall be saved. And I believe that when we are broken hearted and going through very difficult times that his love is so great that he is patiently and lovingly waiting for us to call out to him, for he is more willing to help us than we are ready and willing to be helped sometimes.
But now I can see that brokenness is actually a very powerful and beautiful thing, it is only when we are totally broken before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that we can truly experience the greatness of his strength. His strength is not just to help us get through the storm but rather to enable us to come out of the storm a different person. A person that knows more of the heart of our Heavenly Father and more of his love toward us. Changed from the inside in a way that we know but we can't fully explain.
I have watched and listened over the last year - as many have said to me "it's different for you because" "You have great faith", "You are anointed" or "You have revelation". It has only felt heavy on my heart, because from my point of view, I know that I have been broken in my own strength to the point where I felt totally helpless and useless, and it has felt many times like I have been stripped of everything I thought I knew. And my only help was in the arms of my Lord and Saviour and my Heavenly Father. Looking back I can see that through that time of brokenness and tears and of pouring out my heart before my Jesus that he was actually healing me and in the same process was strengthening me in his love and in his strength. Revealing himself to me. His Word and His Peace became the thing in my life that didn't change or didn't fail or fade away. Bit by bit he was teaching me to let go of the pain and hurt of the past and helping me to rest in his arms. I cannot tell you "How" he did it - I just know that He did something deep inside my heart that has changed me, changed how I see everything and has given me a strength and a joy that I can't explain. My identity has changed - my identity is now in Jesus and in What God has said - not what others think of me, or doctors have said about me etc. I have chosen this old song "The Warrior is a Child" because the words help me to express how I feel. As others looking from the outside see the victories and peace upon a Child of God, that Child of God only sees the Strength of their God as they are hidden in Christ and are covered with His Armour. They know it is not their own strength, they know they can do nothing without Jesus, and they know that they are totally dependent on him. That is when the scripture in Galatians 2v20 becomes a reality and we can finally enjoy this life that He has given to us - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
This beautiful Psalm really explains what God wants each of his children to experience - from verse 1 to the end, it tells us of a life that is broken before God - and how the Father wants to rescue. I want to challenge you today to read this Psalm over with an open heart until you can see that what is happening in your life as you seek him and keep your eyes on him -though at times it feels difficult - it is actually good for you - he is teaching you to let go and to allow him to heal you and to lead you into his rest and his peace, and to show you your new identity in him. It may not feel comfortable for a time - but what he has in store for you - there is nothing in this world to compare it with. Take heart today Child of God that as you let go of what you know - he has something more beautiful and precious in store for you. xx
Psalm 34
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
Calamity will surely destroy the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
But the Lord will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
If you prefer to listen rather than read click here or below https://youtu.be/b3BHoY0wnOA
Just beautiful. ❤
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