Psalm 34:18   The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

God is close, closer than your thoughts and closer than your heart.  He is very near us in our suffering, when we yearn for release.  He is present in the stark reality of our pain.  He loves to comfort the broken-hearted.  He rescues the crushed, the bruised, and the battered.  The cross is God’s identification with our suffering.  The resurrection is our hope of eternal healing.  Christ’s wounds are our salve.   May His closeness and His woundedness bring healing and hope.  

Photo: Calvalry Cemetery, St. Louis