The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from all.
Psalm 34-17-18
As I read this passage, I can’t help but think of how much suffering there is in the world today and how it has grown more prevalent over the last year. More job losses, more hungry, and more homeless people. The number of people suffering seems endless. It’s no longer just a stranger you hear about; it’s you, your neighbor or your friend.
One of the first things we ask when we experience suffering is "Why me?" It may be a car accident, a sickness, loss of a job or a home or the death of a friend. The sadness we feel overcomes our understanding that we are not alone.
Life is often very hard for the people of God. He does not make life easy for us. He does give us help, though. Even when we so easily forget His presence and give up hope, He is there to rescue us. We must remember that God is near us when this suffering happens to us. He wants to share our broken heart. He wants to give us help when we hurt inside.
Let us remember that the Lord is with us, especially in difficult times. Let this passage be a reminder that even in the most difficult, darkest of times, there is optimism in this world. The troubles of our hearts move Him, and He mourns with us. He promises to redeem us when we take refuge in him. Remember that we can call on Him to do so.
Cindy Carrier
