Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Brokenhearted is a heavy, hurt feeling in your chest. It comes when a friend moves away, or when the flat is quiet and someone is missing. Close means God is right beside you, nearer than the hand you are holding. David wrote these words when he was scared and sad, and he found that God did not stay far away from him. Arthur could not make the corridor shorter, but he knelt down and stayed next to Lucas while the light came on. God does something like that. He does not always take the sadness away in one second, but He comes close while you cry. You can say the sad thing out loud to Him today, right where you are.
🌑When I Feel Sad
Close to the Brokenhearted
God comes near when your heart feels heavy and sad.
October 5, 20263 min readNIV
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
David's psalm of deliverance
Today's Story
✍️Fictitious Story
Cool air slid along the floor when Grandpa Arthur clicked off the overhead light, and the far end of the corridor went black. Lucas inched backward, because Jayden had moved away last month and the flat felt too quiet at night. Arthur knelt on the hard tiles and clipped the small bus-headlight torch onto Lucas's collar. The plastic was still warm from his hand. Then Arthur aimed it down the corridor and said, "Walk with me to the corner." Lucas shook his head and grabbed the doorframe, so Arthur switched the big light back on and waited beside him. Yellow light filled the doorway again, and Lucas's grip loosened. He looked down at the little clip and straightened it with one finger. Arthur held out one hand. "One step together, then you hold the torch the rest of the way." Lucas took it, and the little beam swung ahead of them into the dark. "Stay close, Grandpa?" "Right here," Arthur said. "Keep walking."
Reflection
Think About It
• What feeling sits in your chest when you are sad? • When did someone stay right beside you until you felt a little better?
Prayer
God, I feel sad and I don't have the right words for it. Please come close to me while I cry. You said You are near the brokenhearted, so I believe You are near me now. Hold me today, and let me feel Your hand when I can't see You.
Live It Out
If you feel sad today, tell God and ask a grown-up for a hug.