Finding comfort in Christ: Drawing strength from Psalm 34:18

Life is a journey filled with both mountaintop joys and valley sorrows. When the weight of the world presses down on our hearts, it’s easy to feel lost and alone.

Yet, in those moments, Psalm 34:18 gently reminds us that the Lord is not distant, but rather, intimately close to those who are brokenhearted. This truth resonates through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Imagine the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus faced the weight of the cross that awaited Him. He knew the depth of sorrow and pain that was to come, and in His humanity, He felt the anguish of the moment.

It is here that we see Jesus’ heart, one that intimately understands our struggles. Just as He prayed to the Father in His distress, He stands ready to listen to our cries and offer His unwavering presence.

The beauty of Psalm 34:18 is its invitation to draw strength from Christ’s example. In the depths of our despair, we are not called to retreat in isolation but to draw near to the One who comprehends our pain intimately.

Reflect on Jesus’ response to His anguish in Gethsemane. He didn’t turn away from the Father; instead, He turned towards Him, seeking solace and strength in His presence.

Likewise, when we navigate the valleys of life, we are not alone. Just as Jesus found solace through His connection with the Father, we can find courage by drawing close to Him.

In the depths of despair, our Savior becomes our refuge – a place where we can pour out our hearts without fear of judgment. His shoulders are strong enough to carry our burdens, and His love is deep enough to heal our wounded spirits.

The journey through despair is not without purpose. As we experience brokenness, we come to realize our profound need for something greater than ourselves.

Our pain becomes a canvas upon which God paints a masterpiece of redemption. The apostle Paul beautifully captures this truth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV).

In the depths of our despair, we discover a unique wellspring of empathy. Our experiences of pain enable us to reach out to others who are suffering, offering them the same comfort that we have received from Christ.

In this way, our struggles become a testimony to the transformative power of God’s love.

Regardless of the darkness that surrounds you, remember that Jesus is near. He is not a distant deity but a compassionate Savior who walks beside you through every trial.

When tears flow and hope wanes, He collects your tears in a bottle, and His light pierces the darkness. He is the Good Shepherd guiding you through treacherous terrain, the anchor in the storm and the source of enduring hope.

As you journey through life’s valleys, let Psalm 34:18 echo in your heart as a steadfast reminder: in the midst of despair, the embrace of Christ’s presence awaits. His love is a balm for the broken, a sanctuary for the weary and a beacon of hope for the lost.

Embrace His comfort, for it is ever-present and unwavering, sustaining you through every trial and leading you into the glorious dawn of a new day.

Adam White is the Senior Pastor of New Beginning Assembly in Port St. Joe, FL, and is Ordained through the Assemblies of God. Email him at abwhite1020@gmail.com.