God’s Presence in Brokenness and Suffering

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Suffering has a way of breaking us open. It strips away the illusions of control, the comforts of routine, and the walls we build to protect ourselves. Whether it comes through personal loss, the grief of a nation, or the pain of watching others endure unimaginable hardship, suffering leaves us asking the question, Where is God in this?

Scripture answers that question with a beautiful, unshakable promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” God’s presence is not removed in suffering—it’s magnified. He draws near to us in our most vulnerable moments, offering comfort and healing that transcends human understanding.

The Depth of Brokenness
Brokenness can feel like the end of the story, but in God’s hands, it is often the beginning. King David, who wrote Psalm 34, knew this well. He was hunted by Saul, betrayed by his own son, and endured great personal failure. Yet, in his brokenness, he discovered the nearness of God.

In the same way, Jesus met people in their suffering—not from a distance but up close. He wept with Mary and Martha at Lazarus’ tomb. He touched the leper and healed the blind. And on the cross, He bore the weight of all our grief, sin, and pain.

God does not shy away from brokenness. He steps into it.

Walking Through Grief
Grief is often a companion to brokenness, and it’s a journey without shortcuts. The hostages returning to Israel, whether alive or for burial, remind us of the layered pain that comes with loss—trauma, unanswered questions, and the long road of healing.

As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to stand with the grieving, not to fix their pain but to reflect God’s nearness. This might look like offering a prayer, a listening ear, or simply sitting in silence with someone who is mourning.

Grief can also awaken us to our own need for God. It reminds us that we live in a world marred by sin and suffering, yet God’s presence remains. He is the God who promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

Finding God in Suffering
Suffering often makes us feel abandoned, but God uses it to draw us closer to Him. John Piper writes that God allows suffering not to crush us, but to help us endure, to rely on Him, and to glorify His sufficiency.

In suffering, we experience a new depth of God’s love—a love that doesn’t always remove the pain but sustains us through it. Like the Apostle Paul, who pleaded for his thorn in the flesh to be removed, we find God’s answer: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Reflection Questions:

1. When you are brokenhearted, how have you experienced God’s nearness?
2. How can you come alongside someone who is grieving or suffering this week?
3. What does it mean to rely on God’s grace when you feel weak or overwhelmed?

Today’s Challenge:
Spend time reflecting on your own brokenness and where you’ve seen God’s hand in the midst of it. Consider how you can reflect His presence to someone else who is grieving—through a prayer, a kind word, or an act of mercy.

Key Takeaway:
Brokenness and suffering are not the end of the story. They are the places where God draws closest, binding up our wounds and teaching us to rely on His love. As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to step into the pain of others, bringing God’s healing presence and reflecting His light in the darkest places.