The Lord Is Close to the Brokenhearted  | A SOAP Devotional by Debbie Streiber

Read Psalm 34 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2034&version=NLT S Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”   O As I sit and watch my father slip into the darkness of dementia and see my mother valiantly caring for him and trying to pull him back into the life that they have shared for more than 61 years, I wonder how someone who does not have a relationship with God can cope with the weightiness of this situation. I think about how frightened my father must be as he knows, but doesn’t know who my mom, sisters, brother and I are. And then, sparks of recognition come through. A memory shared and a smile on his face that say “I am still here” even if for a brief moment … those small rays of light, that clarity are a blessing and a remembrance that God is still close to my broken heart and crushed spirit, especially when life is heavy and difficult.   A We all have moments, sometimes whole seasons, where we feel scared, alone or confused. God does not intend for us to go through those struggles alone. He provides people who come along side us to help us along the way. Galatians 6:2 tells us, ‘Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ’. How beautiful and timely that God has sent such a spirit into our church in the form of the Human Care strategy, and ministry like Celebrate Recovery to share the burdens of life together.   P Father, you promise to be our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble … you promise never to leave me nor forsake me. I draw on those promises as I experience pieces of my world unravel and come crashing around me. They bring me peace in the storm; and while I do not understand this peace, I embrace it and thank you for it. May all your children sense your presence and be comforted. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus!! Amen.   "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8), Pastor Jamie P. S. - To find out more about our Vision Team and our Strategic Priorities go to: https://universitycarillon.net/vision/

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