Psalm 34:18 KJV
[18] The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
The context of the verse above was where David got into trouble with Abimelech, who could have killed him at the time. His many wanderings due to the harassment of king Saul had led him into the camp of the enemy. He had been forced to leave his parents' house and become a wanderer, simply because king Saul hated him for his great popularity and fame. What was supposed to be a point of national glory for the whole of Israel became a source of personal pain to David. It is not a wonder that, at some point, it was said that men who were suffering hardship or in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered themselves and came to David, and he became captain over them. These were about four hundred men. How can one have such people around you and not become depressed? How can one have such people for company and not be negatively affected?
However, one entry at the very start of the chapter from where this verse is taken helps put the rest of David's experiences in the right context. In the face of such experiences, and surrounded by such company, David was able to say: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord". That can only be the product of a heart that is set on God, not on the nasty experiences all around. This can only be the product of a heart that knows who God is, and what God can do in the life of a man whose heart is fixed on God alone. No matter the scope of the personal experiences that come my way, or the type of issues that one may face, it will help to always remember that God is the One whose power knows no bounds, and whose mercy also knows no limits. His heart and arms are always wide open to receive all who seek to come to Him.
David would know what it meant to have your heart broken; he would also know and personally experience the mercy of God that could save those who are truly contrite in heart. Those who are of a broken heart and those who are truly contrite in spirit are a special breed of people. These people are open to the touch of God, and the impression of His Spirit. Their hearts are in a position where God can speak to them, and they can hear Him. If only we would know how close God is to us in our moments of affliction and pain, we would spare ourselves so much sadness and bitterness. His salvation is for everyone who will come to Him; no pretence, eye-service or hypocrisy. No lying to yourself about your condition; just come to Him as you are, and let Him do what He alone can do in your life. Your earthly and eternal lives will be glad you did. God's time of favour is here.
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