Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 311 – Psalm 34:8 – Close To The Brokenhearted – Growing As Disciples
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Crushed
Well, I have been that. You have been what? I have been crushed. I have been brokenhearted. I have been filled with pain and suffering. I have experienced seemingly unending tears. It’s no fun, I will tell you that. I wouldn’t wish pain and suffering and crushing brokenness on anyone. But I know a couple things for certain. What’s that? Sin has broken this world. This life is not as you intended it. Nothing in this world has been left untouched by sin. No one will go through this life free of pain and suffering and crushing brokenness. You suffered. Why would I not suffer? You experienced pain. You went through what I would call, crushing brokenness. Why wouldn’t I as well? Doesn’t that sound quite discouraging and depressing and defeating to you? It might, except I also know something else as well. What’s that? You are with me. You will never leave me. You will never forsake me. No, I will not. For that, I am thankful. For that I am thankful. Your closeness to me gives me hope. So no, I am not discouraged or depressed or defeated. That is very good.
I have something to say that might sound a little weird. What’s that? I wouldn’t want to live a life that had no pain or suffering in it. I wouldn’t exchange the crushing brokenness I have experienced for a pain free life on easy street. You’re right, that does sound a little weird. Let me ask myself some questions. Go ahead, this sounds interesting. Would I know you as well if I had never gone through suffering? I don’t think so. Would I have come to rely on you as much as I do if I had never experienced setbacks? I’m sure not. Have I not drawn near to you and you to me in the deepest and darkest and most painful moments of my life? Without, a doubt. Have I not experienced deeper measures of your love as I have cried out to you in anguish? That is for certain. Would I know you as well as I do if everything about my life was easy and went perfectly? Not hardly, maybe not even at all. Do I sound weird now? No, not at all. How about this? You have even made me able to comfort others with the comfort you have given to me. That’s great. On top of that, you have held on to me. You have always lifted me up. You have carried me. You have led me though life. You have kept me moving forward with you. So no, I would not trade the life I have lived with you, for any other kind of life, especially one that seemed to promise me no pain or suffering or setbacks or defeat. That’s very good. Keep on leading me Lord. Yes, I will.
Lord, I know this sin tainted world is filled with brokenness and suffering. I have experienced my share of pain. I am thankful you have been near to me when have I been brokenhearted. You have comforted and lifted me up and kept me moving forward with you. Amen
Key Question… What prayers have you prayed to the Lord when you were crushed and brokenhearted?
Living It Out… Draw near to the Lord and receive His comfort when you are crushed and brokenhearted.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord is close to you when you are crushed and brokenhearted.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord has been close to you when you were brokenhearted.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you cry out to the Lord because He is close to you.
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