The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
The nearness of God, like much of our spiritual life, is difficult to explain or describe but is more clearly learned through experience. And even then, our understandings will differ because we each experience it in our own way. God is relational and He interacts with each of us individually.
We want our hurting loved ones to experience His Presence so we pray, but we can’t open their heart to receive His comfort or feel His nearness. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. The more I’ve experienced that precious nearness, the more acutely I sorrow for those missing out.
There is a closeness to God that comes only with suffering, the qualification none of us want, none of us look for. But when it finds us, He is faithful to be there too.
Thank you, Lord, for the inexplicable, indescribable comfort of Your Presence. In the mighty name of Jesus, Who desires none should perish, I ask that You open the hearts of those we love that are hurting so they may know Your nearness too. You are close to the brokenhearted.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
