Broken

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Why do good people suffer stress, and feel down to the point of depression? The psalmist David knew all about the feelings of being broken-hearted and a reading of the whole of Psalm 34 clearly shows his downcast heart. David had a lot to feel bad about, but he still knew that God was ‘close to the broken-hearted’ and can still save ‘those who are crushed in spirit’.

It is fair to say that everyone goes through the dark tunnel of despair at some time. Christians are not immune to this disease of the heart. It can range from a short term period, to a full blown depression caused by who knows what! Do you know someone close who has, or is still going through, a period of darkness? Maybe that person is you. One thing is certain, no one should be ashamed, thinking it is all their own fault. We gladly see our GP for physical ailments, but we are so reluctant to open up about our state of mind. We feel there is a stigma, and our reputation will suffer. Our friends will not look at us in the same way, and might avoid us. If so, they can still be our friends, but they are not true friends.

I love the way the Psalmist inserts the word ‘saves’ between the broken hearted, and the crushed in spirit. Take comfort in this my friend. Our great God saves us in our times of distress. He doesn’t help a little, or give us a smile and a nudge saying it’ll be ok, you’ll see. No, He SAVES us right where and when we need it. In our brokenness. When we can’t face Him, or even feel like praying. I don’t know about you, but this makes me feel like shouting hallelujah! And you? How does it make you feel? The prophet Isaiah says it so well, and it is a joy to read as he foretells the heart of the coming Messiah and our Saviour…..

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour

and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:1-3