The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
The life experiences of David ran the gamut of emotions. He went back to his sheep after being anointed to be king of Israel in a private ceremony by Samuel. King Saul brought David to his court to play soothing music on his harp, and later David killed Goliath. After Saul tried to kill David with his spear, David lived in constant danger, pursued by the king until Saul died! Finally, David assumed the position God had designated for him so many years earlier.
Samuel had come to Jesse at God’s command to anoint Jesse’s son to become king. When the prophet saw Eliab, the eldest, he thought, surely, he was the one. Samuel was introduced to seven of Jesse’s sons, but God said no to them all. “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). The Lord had chosen David, the youngest.
David expressed tremendous emotion throughout his life and reign, rejoicing with great enthusiasm but also displaying brokenness and contriteness of heart when he sinned. He serves as an example for you. The Lord is tenderhearted and forgiving to the repentant, mourning heart (Matthew 5:4; Titus 3:4-5). C.H. Spurgeon says that “just when the sinner condemns himself the Lord graciously absolves him. If we chasten our own spirits [being sore with conviction], the Lord will spare us.”
God sees your heart. He is near to you and hears your cry. Pray that the broken-hearted in this nation will turn to the Lord in repentance.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 34:1-5, 15-19
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
