The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. - Psalms 34:18 (NIV)
This verse reminds me of when I was crushed in spirit, and God saved me. In my early twenties, my best friend and roommate, Mike, committed suicide. This was not my first experience with death; my dad had collapsed with a heart attack a few years before. With Dad, I could make sense of it because he had a heart condition, but Mike was outwardly healthy and displayed no signs of unhappiness. He left our apartment one evening, and the following day, the state police appeared at our front door to notify me of his death.
For years, I struggled with the anger–at Mike for taking his life, at me for not being aware, the sadness, depression, and the grieving. When offered counseling, I refused, and back then, I had distanced myself from God. Only several years later, after turning toward God, I began to feel peace and some healing. It was not that God was not close to me throughout the whole of my grief, but I had shut him out. As I relive this in the retelling, I still mourn the tragedy and miss my friend, but the pain is less.
This is my story. You likely have stories of your own, remembering a time when you were brokenhearted and crushed in spirit and found healing in God. If you have not yet or are in that place now, take comfort in knowing that God is close. He is with you at every moment. All you need to do is call upon His name and turn your pain over to Him.
Precious, Loving God, thank you for being close to us. When we experience times when the weight is heavy, and it seems we will break beneath its crushing load, you are with us still. You love us and desire to share our burden. You are close; any distance is what we have created. Help us to remember to take up Your yoke, for You are “gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29). May we remember to always turn to You in times of trouble to experience Your peace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it’s vital to seek professional help. Numerous resources and professionals are available to provide the support and guidance you need. For immediate assistance, you can contact the 24/7 National Hotline for Mental Health Crises and Suicide Prevention by dialing 9-8-8. While your local pastor can offer a listening ear and prayer to help guide you spiritually, seeking help from mental health professionals is also essential.
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