When Strong Isn’t Enough - Psalm 34:18

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

- Psalm 34:18 

Sometimes the hardest part of struggle is how invisible it is. You're smiling in public, staying on top of work, maybe even showing up at the gym or posting online — but inside, you're running on fumes. Not just physically — emotionally, mentally, spiritually. And for some reason, you feel like you’re supposed to just power through it.

That’s where Psalm 34:18 meets us. It doesn’t say God is near to the strong, the joyful, or the put-together. It says He’s near to the brokenhearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Let that sink in.

This verse was written by David, a warrior and worshiper who knew what it felt like to be both courageous and completely undone. Psalm 34 was written after David fled for his life — humiliated, hunted, uncertain of his future. He wasn’t writing from a mountaintop. He was writing from desperation. And in that place, he discovered a truth deeper than his fear: God doesn’t run from brokenness — He draws near to it.

You might be going through something right now that you haven’t even fully processed. Maybe it’s grief. Maybe it’s anxiety that lingers in the background of your days. Maybe it’s burnout, disappointment, comparison, or pressure to be someone you’re too tired to be.

Psalm 34:18 doesn’t offer a fix — it offers presence.

God sees your inner world. He sees the silent battles. The deep sighs you try to hide. The moments you cry alone because you’re tired of being the strong one. And instead of pulling away, He leans in. He draws near. He sits with you in the weight and whispers that you’re not forgotten, not unseen, not alone.

We live in a culture that pushes constant performance — even in spiritual spaces. But God is not impressed by your highlight reel. He’s moved by your honesty. Your need. Your heart. When you're brokenhearted, He comes close. When your spirit is crushed, He doesn’t expect you to lift yourself up — He reaches down to save.

So this week, if you're feeling low, empty, or stretched too thin — stop trying to power through in silence. Invite God into it. Not with perfect words, but with real ones. Just say, “God, I’m not okay… but I know You’re near.” And let Him meet you in that space.

Prayer: God, I’m tired — not just physically, but emotionally. Sometimes I don’t even know what to pray. Thank You for being near even when I feel far. Help me lean into Your presence instead of pretending I’m fine. Give me quiet strength to keep going, and remind me that being crushed is not the end of the story. You are my healer and my hope. Amen.