Light in Darkness: Psalm 34:18

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

When we wake up to news of violence — especially in a place meant for peace and worship — our hearts break. A church is where we go to seek God’s presence, to pray, to sing, to be reminded of His goodness. When that sanctuary is pierced by fear and tragedy, it shakes us deeply.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God does not stand far off in such moments. He is near. He draws close to those whose hearts are shattered. He bends down to those too weary to lift their heads. He offers comfort not in the form of quick fixes or easy answers, but in His steady presence.

The Bible never promises that we will be shielded from pain, but it does promise that pain is not the end of the story. Christ Himself entered into suffering — He knows what it is to be crushed, to be betrayed, to face violence. And because He overcame, we can hold on to the truth that tragedy, however dark, cannot silence His light.

Our calling now is to carry His light into the shadows. To mourn with those who mourn. To pray faithfully for the families, survivors, and community. And to remember that in every brokenhearted cry, God is closer than we realize. His nearness is the hope we cling to, the healing we long for, and the promise we can still stand on.

Prayer:  Father, in this hour we confess how deeply we hurt. We weep with those whose peace was shattered. Be near to the brokenhearted. Bring comfort where there is terror, healing where there is pain, and hope where there is despair.

May Your Spirit move in unexpected ways — resurrecting faith, uniting communities, and reminding us that no darkness is too deep for Your light. Help us to pray not only in words but in presence and action — to stand with the wounded, to visit the hurting, to love as You love.

We commit the lives lost, the injured, their families, and every shaken heart into Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.