A Fix for Broken Hearts

“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 CSB)

There is much hurt in our world. Every day we encounter people who are “the walking wounded,” often without knowing that they are. Sometimes it may be apparent in their faces, and sometimes they mask it well. Very likely, there have been days or times when we ourselves have been among them.

We all experience hurt or pain in life in some way, whether physical or emotional or relational. We all learn to cope with our life experiences as best we can. But sometimes people go through events or experiences that are truly devastating. We may ourselves be the cause of this with our own sin, and if that is the case, we can find forgiveness from the Lord through repentance and faith. But sometimes devastation comes at the hands of others. These are the kinds that leave people battered and bruised and unable to get up, for some time at least. These are the folks who meet the criteria for being “brokenhearted.”

So, what does “brokenhearted” mean, as David expressed it? It means that someone’s heart is broken. It does not work anymore. The parts are there, but it no longer functions. It’s broken.

In a more literal Biblical sense, the word “heart” refers to the human will. To have the heart to do something is to have the will to do it. But when the heart is broken, that means someone has become so crushed in spirit that he or she cannot muster up within themselves the will to continue forward.

David knew very well what he was talking about. He had to flee for his life from a raging madman. They took his house and his wife. They chased him out into the desert and pursued him relentlessly. Everything of worldly value was stripped away from him, and his life was only a few steps from being snuffed out. And this went on for years. He was himself brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. But, he did not give up hope. Why not? Because the Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

Lord, In those events or seasons when it feels like our hearts are broken and our spirits crushed, help us to remember that You are near, and that you can and will rescue us. You do this not because of our merit, but because of who You are. Thank You for the encouragement of Your word to us today. Amen.