God Is Close to the Brokenhearted - A Call for Modern-Day Esthers

God Is Close to the Brokenhearted: A Call for Modern-Day Esthers

Shalom, Modern-Day Esthers,

The recent news of 33 hostages being released stirs a mix of emotions—relief for those coming home, heartbreak for the seven being returned for burial, and the haunting knowledge that so many remain in captivity. For some families, there is joy and gratitude, yet even that joy is shadowed by the visible and invisible scars these survivors carry. For others, the long-awaited answer to their prayers is met with mourning, as they prepare to bury their loved ones rather than embrace them.

It is a deeply human moment—a mixture of hope and heartbreak, celebration and grief. Families waiting to embrace their loved ones carry a burden of uncertainty: How will they begin to heal? Will they ever find peace after the horrors they endured? And for those whose loved ones didn’t return, the weight of loss is overwhelming, mingled with a longing for justice and closure.

In moments like this, we are reminded of the profound truth of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God is not distant from these families. His heart is tender toward those who are grieving, and His presence is a source of comfort when all seems lost. Yet, what does it mean for us to reflect God’s closeness in times like these?

As Modern-Day Esthers, We Stand in the Gap
In ancient Persia, Esther risked her life to save her people, interceding for them with courage and boldness. Today, we are called to do the same—not in palaces but in prayer rooms, in conversations, and through acts of compassion. The release of these hostages reminds us that healing is not instant; it’s a journey marked by prayer, support, and the steadfast love of God’s people.

What Does It Mean to Be Close to the Brokenhearted?
God’s closeness is not passive; it is active. It is filled with empathy, love, and a willingness to step into the messiness of human pain. As His hands and feet, we are called to do the same. We can pray fervently for these hostages and their families, but we can also act.

• Pray for Healing: Pray that God’s peace will cover these survivors and their families, binding up their wounds and restoring their hearts. Lift up those mourning the return of their loved ones in burial, asking for God’s comfort and strength.
• Advocate for Justice: Just as Esther stood against injustice, we must speak truth in a world often quick to blame Israel for defending itself. Let us remind others of the horrors inflicted upon these hostages and the innocent lives lost.
• Offer Compassion in Action: Mercy calls us to act. Support relief efforts for the hostages and their families, raise awareness about their plight, and speak words of hope and encouragement to those who are grieving.

Hope Amid Heartbreak
The brokenness of this world can feel overwhelming, but God’s promise is that He is near, even in the darkest valleys. He sees the heartbreak of the hostages, the grief of their families, and the longing of a nation praying for their return. And He sees us—ready to stand in the gap, offering prayers, support, and love.

As we pray for their healing, let us ask ourselves: How can I, as a Modern-Day Esther, reflect God’s closeness to the brokenhearted today? Perhaps it’s in offering a kind word to someone who is struggling, sharing the truth about Israel’s fight for survival, or simply taking time to sit in God’s presence and pray for peace.

Let us remember: God’s love is the bridge between brokenness and restoration. And as His people, we are called to carry that love into a world desperate for hope.