Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, / And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

February 9th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

We believe that God is drawn to the brokenhearted because they have learned the difference between what is genuine and what is counterfeit. It is sometimes amazing just how efficiently a broken heart can push aside the unimportant and concentrate on the critical. For example, the wife in the surgical waiting room isn’t focusing on her husband’s annoying habits. She doesn’t care about the fact that he snores at night or that he won’t wear the right colored socks she wants him to. She isn’t concerned about the fact that he is forgetful. All she really cares about, all she is praying is “Please Lord, get him through the surgery; let the operation be a success.” As she weeps in her broken-heartedness, what is really important comes into focus.

This application points us to one of the painful ways God develops us into authentic believers. When we allow God to break our hearts, He is then able to show us what’s really important in life. God is close at hand to the brokenhearted because they have discovered what’s really important in life. He will then use us because we have become better sharpened instruments of healing in His hands.

“Use us this day, LORD, to be Your hands and feet in the lives of others.”