“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
Oh friends, how that verse has led my life. Life’s broken moments often leave us feeling isolated, hopeless, and deeply wounded. We can self-isolate, so we do not feel like burdens to those around us. We fight bitterness at the joy in others that God seemingly just “keeps blessing” while we are mucking around in the cold dark places of life. In these moments, it can be hard to see beyond the pain or believe that healing is possible. Especially if the church was the place, you endured the most pain and betrayal (after all it is filled with flawed humans). But Psalm 34:18 reminds us of a profound truth: God is close to the brokenhearted. He doesn’t turn away from our pain but instead draws near to us in it. I have found God to be so very personal when I chose to find HIM, not religion or man’s opinion about Him, but truly seek with my whole heart. I am a Jesus follower, which I do not openly share, because it is so deeply personal our journeys with faith, and so many, myself included have been wounded by “church” or people of “faith.”
As a Christian therapist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals who’ve experienced profound heartache and struggle. Together, we’ve explored how faith can be a guiding light in the process of healing. Let’s reflect on how Psalm 34:18 can come alive in our lives, offering not just comfort but a practical framework for restoration.
1. Acknowledge the Pain
The first step in healing is recognizing and naming your brokenness. Psalm 34:18 reassures us that God is near to the brokenhearted—not the perfect, not the unscathed, but those who are hurting.
In therapy, I start with naming and identifying emotions. What are the actual emotions, where are you feeling them (are you feeling them), do you judge them? Are they welcome or stuffed away? Often times those we turn to in the church do not know what to do with our emotions, so we feel judged, shamed, and are told we “lack faith” or worse, “have hidden sin.” I am here to tell you , that is OPPOSITE of what the Bible shares—Jesus wept is the shortest verse in the Bible, Jesus also flipped tables in anger…emotional expression is natural and welcomed—and encouraged by Jesus. Grieving a loss, processing betrayal, or sitting with disappointment doesn’t mean you lack faith. On the contrary, it’s in our most vulnerable moments that God meets us with His love and compassion.
2. Invite God Into the Brokenness
One of the most powerful aspects of Psalm 34:18 is the promise of God’s closeness. Healing begins when we invite Him into the depths of our pain.
This might look like:
- Spending quiet time in prayer, laying your struggles at His feet.
- Meditating on Scripture that reminds you of His faithfulness.
- Journaling your feelings as a way of communicating with God.
- Listening to your favorite worship song and feeling His presence.
When we welcome God into our broken places, we’re reminded that we don’t have to carry the burden alone. His presence becomes a source of strength and comfort.
3. Seek Community and Support
God often works through the people He places in our lives. While Psalm 34:18 assures us of God’s closeness, He also calls us to live in community. Sharing your pain with trusted friends, family, or a counselor can be a vital part of the healing process.
In Christian therapy, we often explore how relationships can mirror God’s love. The encouragement of others helps us feel seen, heard, and valued, even in our brokenness. We also learn how to define emotions, God’s plan for emotions, and how to manage life’s challenges and transitions.
4. Trust the Process of Healing
Healing is a process. Much like the refining of gold or the growth of a seed, restoration takes time and patience. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God’s presence is constant, even when the journey feels slow.
Practically, this might involve:
- Setting small, achievable goals for your emotional and spiritual growth.
- Practicing self-care and healthy boundaries.
- Relying on God’s promises when discouragement sets in.
- Talking with a counselor about tools to help you manage the journey and transitions
5. Find Purpose in the Pain
When you look back on your journey, you may discover that your brokenness has shaped you in ways you never imagined. God often uses our deepest wounds to draw us closer to Him and equip us to help others. Psalm 34:18 isn’t just a promise of comfort; it’s an invitation to be transformed by God’s presence. The Psalms are a perfect example of finding purpose in the pain that is both brought into our lives and the pain we sometimes choose ourselves (unknowingly at the time). David endured refining that was both by God’s design to build his character and by David’s foolish choices—in the end David desired to be close to God and learn how to manage his emotions.
Rest in God’s Promise
Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God’s love isn’t distant or conditional—it’s personal, present, and powerful.
If you’re navigating brokenness today, take heart. The Lord is near, ready to bind up your wounds and restore your spirit. Healing isn’t always easy, but with God by your side, it’s always possible.
May your journey of healing lead you closer to Him, and may you find beauty in the places you once thought was beyond repair. If you’d like to talk more about how faith can guide your healing process, I’d be honored to walk with you. Together, let’s discover the hope and restoration that God offers to the brokenhearted.
