Today's Verse: Psalm 34:18

Friday, October 17, 2025

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
— Psalm 34:18
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The Lord is near (Philippians 4:5).
How do we know?
He promised his people this long ago and kept his promise. He drew near to us in the manger with Jesus. He walked among us in ministry as Jesus touched, healed, blessed, raised, mended, and loved. He suffered with us, and for us, in Jesus' Passion. Many of us have experienced his nearness in tragedy, trial, heartbreak, and brokenness as he drew near to us to save us. Others of us have experienced his presence as we sought to share the message of Jesus, as he gave us words through the Holy Spirit and strength and courage to stand up to those who opposed us.
The bigger questions are these:
  • Will our hearts be open to him and his presence?
  • Will we seek him and ask him to draw near?
  • Will we obey him and invite him into live in our daily lives?
We must not let troubles and heartache lead us to pull away from God or doubt his nearness. Let's believe the promise that as we draw near to God, he will draw near to us (James 4:8, 10).

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

O Lord, please be near me today. Make your presence known in my life. Father, I also ask that you bless those I know who are struggling with their faith and with broken and disappointed hearts. They feel so alone. Please be active in their lives and make your presence known in tangible ways to sustain them in their times of trial. In Jesus' name, I ask you to fulfill this promise in people who are precious to me. Amen.

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9 Related Resources by Heartlight

Psalm 34:18
Devo: Today's Verse
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
The LORD is close.
Illustration of Psalm 34:18
Inspirational illustration of Psalm 34:18 -- The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The Lord Is Close!
Devo: Together in Christ
"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues..."
Broken Spirit
Article by Alan Smith
How good is your spirit? Alan Smith reminds us that we have to be moldable, to have a broken and contrite spirit if God is going to do anything with us.
See All 9 Related Resources about Psalm 34:18

Illustration

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

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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