Daily Devotional • Psalm 34:18 • God Is Near to the Brokenhearted

The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.  

- Psalm 34:18

When we experience something painful in our lives, we can run to the Lord and know He’s there to comfort and strengthen us.

He is a God who is well acquainted with grief and what it’s like to suffer.

While God never causes our anguish and suffering, He can use it to draw us to Him and bring refinement to our souls.

Even as you press through and pursue the Lord amidst pain, you are still being transformed from the inside out:

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Knowing this, we can take heart in the fact that the hardship we endure isn’t for nothing!

No matter what we're facing, with the Lord in our heart and by our side, we can rejoice that we are becoming more and more like Him every day.

Even when the enemy has tried to inflict suffering, waste time and seemingly delay us, God is still the one who has redeemed us.

Just as God has redeemed our souls, so can He redeem time we feel was lost.

He is our redeeming God who restores what was stolen from us!

Today, whether you're in a joyful or hard season of your life today, take heart! The Lord is near to you!  

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad

Take a deep breath and sit in the truth of this verse—God is not distant from your pain. He is present, gentle, and near. As you move into journaling, allow yourself to be honest about what you're carrying, trusting that He meets you right there.

• What is currently weighing on your heart or causing you pain?

• Where do you need to invite God into your hurt right now?

• How have you experienced God’s nearness in difficult seasons before?

• What does it mean to you that God is close—not far away—in your brokenness?

• Write a prayer expressing your emotions openly to God.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What does “brokenhearted” mean in Psalm 34:18?
It refers to those who are hurting emotionally, spiritually, or mentally—those who feel crushed, grieving, or overwhelmed.

Is God really near when I don’t feel Him?
Yes. God’s presence is not dependent on our feelings. Psalm 34:18 assures us that He is especially near in our lowest moments, even when we can’t sense Him. 

How does God “save” the crushed in spirit?
He brings comfort, healing, strength, and ultimately restoration. His salvation may come through peace, support, or renewed hope over time.

What should I do when I feel emotionally overwhelmed?
Turn to God honestly in prayer, spend time in Scripture, and allow yourself space to process. God welcomes you exactly as you are.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for being near to me in my brokenness. When my heart feels heavy and my spirit is crushed, remind me that I am not alone. Help me to trust in Your presence even when I cannot feel it. Bring healing to the places that hurt and restore my hope in You. Hold me close and carry me through this season. Amen.

We would love to hear from you about our new extended devotionals! Leave us feedback in the comments. Thank you, Kara