HE STAYS CLOSE
The LORD is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 (CSB)
Life doesn’t give us warnings before it disappoints us. The bad news comes in a phone call. The relationship ends in a text. The fear sneaks in overnight. Sometimes it feels like the moment you let your guard down, life unravels, and, in those moments, it can feel like God has stepped away.
But He hasn’t. Psalm 34:18 tells us exactly where God is in our heartbreak: close. He’s not only aware of your pain; He draws near to it. While others may not know what to say or how to help, God’s comfort isn’t awkward or absent. He is near and present in your current situation.
The word near here actually speaks not only of emotional availability but also of a physical proximity. Think of someone leaning in, drawing near, not shying away from your tears or silence. That’s God. He’s not scared of your sorrow or put off by your questions. He’s with you in the quiet. He saves those who are crushed in spirit, not by immediately fixing the problem, but often by simply sitting with us in it.
The truth is, Christmas can be joyful, but it can also be lonely. For many, it highlights what’s missing: loved ones, peace, stability. And yet, this is the season where we remember Immanuel: God with us. That’s the hope of the Gospel: we’re never truly alone; God is with us.
So, if you’re feeling broken this season, you don’t have to fake joy or push through. Just remember that He is near and He is close. He’s not leaving.
APPLICATION: Sit a moment and think about God being close to you physically. He is leaning into your life, not away from you. Ask Him to share any insight He might have about where you find yourself today.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for not running from my circumstances. I can’t imagine doing this life without You. Help me not to run as You are leaning in to my life. Remind me of Your love today. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?