Broken and Crushed

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

There are verses in Scripture that feel like warm blankets on the coldest nights of the soul. Psalm 34:18 is one of those verses. Simple, direct, and deeply personal, it speaks to anyone who has ever felt crushed under the weight of grief, disappointment, or despair. In just a few words, it captures the tender heart of God toward those who are hurting.

There are a few examples:

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound Isaiah 61:1

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85:9

We are going to focus on Psalm 34:18 this verse isn’t just a promise; but a lifeline. We’ll take a closer look at its meaning, its context, and how it can shape the way we live and trust God in the midst of brokenness.

---

1. The Context of Psalm 34

Psalm 34 is said to of been written by David and was created during a time of personal turmoil. David had fled from King Saul, who sought to take his life, and found himself in enemy territory. Fearing for his safety, David pretended to be insane before King Achish of Gath (1 Samuel 21). It was a humiliating and desperate act, but it kept him alive. Out of this experience, David penned this psalm of praise and testimony, declaring God’s faithfulness in the middle of crisis.

The interesting thing about Psalm 34 is that it is filled with encouragement even though it was not written from a place of comfort, but from the trenches of fear and uncertainty. In this psalm, David doesn’t deny the reality of hardship. Instead, he acknowledges it while affirming God’s closeness and saving power. Verse 18, then, becomes a precious reminder: even in our lowest moments, God draws near.

---

2. What Does It Mean to Be Brokenhearted?

The Hebrew word for “brokenhearted” (shevure lev) carries the idea of being shattered, crushed, or torn apart. It touches not only sadness but to the deep emotional pain that comes when life feels unbearable. This can take many forms:

• Grieving the death of a loved one
• Enduring betrayal or abandonment
• Facing the collapse of dreams or plans
• Struggling with personal failure or shame

In these moments, we can feel isolated and overlooked. Friends may not know what to say. Family may not fully understand. But Psalm 34:18 assures us that the Lord is near. He doesn’t keep His distance from our pain He moves toward it.

---

3. The God Who Draws Near

One of the most beautiful truths in this verse is how God is never far away. Many of the worlds religions portray their gods as distant, indifferent, or unconcerned with what humans are going threw. But on the other hand the God of the Bible the one and only is different. He leans in when we are weak. He bends down to the cries of His people.

Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern:

• In Exodus 3, God tells Moses He has “seen the affliction” and “heard the cry” of His people in Egypt.
• In Psalm 23, David says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
• In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest.

God does not abandon the brokenhearted; He sits next to them. His nearness is not just a a theological concept it is an experienced reality. Often, it is in the raw seasons of grief and loss that His presence feels most profound.

---

4. Saved from a Crushed Spirit

The second part of this verse speaks of salvation for those who are “crushed in spirit.” To be crushed in spirit is to feel pressed down, overwhelmed, and stripped of hope. But God’s response is not condemnation or indifference it is rescue.

Being saved doesn’t mean that there will be an immediate removal from suffering. Sometimes the grief remains, and the pain lingers. But God provides deliverance in many forms:

• Strength to endure what feels impossible.
• Comfort through His Spirit, bringing peace that surpasses understanding.
• Hope for the future, reminding us that brokenness is not the end of the story.

Ultimately, this promise points us to Christ. On the cross, Jesus bore the weight of our brokenness and sin. He was, in every sense, “crushed” for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). Because He entered into our suffering lived like we do, we can trust that He truly understands and can bring redemption from even the darkest moments.

---

5. Living with This Promise

How should Psalm 34:18 shape our lives today? Here are a few ways:

a) Finding Comfort in His Presence

When grief strikes, we may be tempted to believe God has forgotten us, convince ourselves He’s not listening. But this verse reminds it’s the opposite He is closer than we realize. In prayer, Scripture reading, worship, or even quiet tears, His presence meets us.

b) Extending Compassion to Others

If God draws near to the brokenhearted, so should we. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His heart by sitting with those in pain, listening without judgment, and offering practical love.

c) Holding On to Hope

Pain may feel final, but God promises healing and restoration. Psalm 147:3 echoes this truth: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Our crushed spirits can be lifted because God specializes in making beauty from ashes.

---

6. A Word to the Brokenhearted Today

Maybe you’re reading this while carrying a burden too heavy to name. Perhaps grief, disappointment, or loneliness is pressing down on your spirit. Always remember and hear this: you are not abandoned. The Lord is near to you right now.

There is no need to have to fix yourself before He comes close. You don’t have to hide your tears or pretend to be strong. His promise is for the brokenhearted and crushed, that means the ones who feel weak, shattered, and done. God is omnipresent. He is everywhere at all times. He sees what is going on and He is waiting for you to ask Him into your life.

Let Psalm 34:18 be more than a few words on a page. Let it be the truth you hold onto in the middle of your storm. God is near. He saves. He redeems.

---

Conclusion

Psalm 34:18 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the compassion of God. He doesn’t stand far off from our pain and suffering but moves toward it with tenderness, power, and grace. He draws near to the brokenhearted, and He saves throws a life preserver to the downtrodden and crushed in spirit.

This is not a distant theological idea—it is a living reality for anyone who trusts Him. Whether you are walking through grief, battling discouragement, or wrestling with disappointment, you can rest assured that you are not alone. The God who created the universe is near, and His presence brings healing, hope, and salvation.

In the end, broken hearts can find peace not because life is easy, but because God is near. (Galatians 6:9) His nearness and care makes all the difference.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, take this pain and sadness away from me. Lord give strength to walk threw the fire that surrounds me. And help me to take a deep breath will I am in the middle of the storm. Lord surround with the wall that you surround Jerusalem with in Zechariah 2:5 and do not let these things near me. Thank you Lord for you never ending protection. In Jesus Name Amen

---

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..