Be near

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. v. 18

My friend was going through some difficult challenges in her life and family. I didn’t know what to say or do, and I told her so. She looked at me and said, “Just be near.” That’s what I did, and later on we started talking about God’s love.

Many times we don’t know how to respond when others are grieving, and words may do more harm than good. Serving others requires that we understand them and find out what they need. Often we can help by meeting practical needs. But one of the best ways to encourage those who are suffering is to be near — to sit beside them and listen.

God is near to us when we call out to Him. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles,” the psalmist says. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:17-18).

By putting ourselves in the shoes of others and allowing our hearts to feel compassion, we can help those who are hurting. We can be near them as God is with us and sit close to them. At the right time, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say, if they are needed.  — Keila Ochoa

Who needs my help or for me to sit alongside them this week?

READ: Psalm 34:4-18

The best way to encourage

others may be to just be near.

Bible in a Year: Psalms 29-30 and Acts 23:1-15