October 16, 2009
When God Comes Near
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
Even in the darkest and most trying hour of our lives, God is near.
Not long ago, tragedy struck Pastor Walters' home. Both his wife and daughter were ill and in the hospital at the same time. The husband in him longed to sit with his wife, while the daddy in him ached to care for his daughter. As he stood in the hallway between their two rooms, Pastor Walter knew he couldn't physically be in two places at once. So he knelt down on his knees and entered the throne room of grace. As he drew near to God, God drew near to him and made provision for his needs. Family and friends poured into the hospital as representatives of God's hands and feet. They ministered comfort, support, and love to him, his wife and daughter.
Sadly, Walter lost his wife. Though things didn't turn out as he had hoped, he didn't fret or fear. He understood that while his wife was with God in heaven, God's Spirit was also with him on earth sustaining him with strength, hope, and faith.
Though his heart was crushed, Pastor Walter stood before the church family and spoke of the reality of God's Word, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me … Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life" (Psalm 23:4,6a, NIV). It was clear that God had come near in his darkest hour with the comfort and strength he needed to endure.
Regardless of the road you travel—Lonely Lane, Brokenhearted Boulevard, or Poverty Parkway—there's no place you can go that God can't follow. No heartbreak, no betrayal, no rejection, no failure, no disappointment, and no evil can stop Him from coming near. God will always come for His people. He cannot fail you. He will never quit you, never forget you, and never leave you. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18, NIV).
Dear Lord, my heart is breaking. I hurt deeply. Come and save me. Comfort my spirit and strengthen me so that I may endure. Be my shelter until my storm has passed. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell
Broken into Beautiful: How God Restores the Wounded Heart by Gwen Smith
Visit Micca's blog - Reflections. More of her resources can be found here.
Application Steps:
Often times we miss God's activity in our lives. Ask God to help you to seethe evidence of His care.. It may come in a card, a hug from a friend, a comforting conversation, etc. However your support comes, recognize it as God's provision.
Reflections:
Do you often feel like you're going it alone or do you look for God's presence?
Do you find it difficult to ask for or receive help from others? Why or why not?
How has God encouraged your heart lately?
Power Verses:
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." (NIV)
Isaiah 49:13b, "Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." (NIV)
© 2009 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Originally published Friday, 16 October 2009.
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