**"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

In a world filled with uncertainty and hardship, it can be easy to feel lost and alone. The Bible reminds us that the Lord is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, offering hope and salvation to those who turn to Him. This article will explore the concept of God's presence in times of struggle and examine the ways in which He can be found and experienced.

God's presence is not limited to grand, miraculous events, but can be found in the everyday moments and experiences of life. For those who have lost loved ones, find comfort in the words of Psalm 34:18, which reminds us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. This verse speaks to a deep understanding of the human experience, recognizing that hurt and pain are an inevitable part of life.

Understanding God's Presence

Defining God's Presence

So, what does it mean for God to be "near" to those who are brokenhearted? This concept of presence is rooted in the Old Testament understanding of God as a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people. When we say that God is "near" to the brokenhearted, we are not talking about a distant, abstract presence, but rather a dynamic, relational presence that engages with the human experience.

This idea is closely tied to the concept of " Emmanuel," which means "God with us." In the Gospel of Matthew, we see this concept embodied in the birth of Jesus, who is described as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Emmanuel - God with us. This understanding of God's presence is not limited to the birth or life of Jesus, but is a fundamental aspect of the nature of God Himself.

Experiencing God's Presence

So how can we experience God's presence in times of struggle and hardship? While there is no formula or guarantee for feeling God's presence, there are several strategies that can help:

• Prayer: Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and experience His presence. When we pray, we are not simply asking God for things, but are engaging in a dynamic conversation with Him.

• Scripture: The Bible is God's word to us, and contains a wealth of wisdom and comfort for those who are struggling.

• Community: Surrounding ourselves with people who are supportive and caring can help us to feel a sense of community and connection, even in the midst of hardship.

• Reflection: Taking time to reflect on our experiences and emotions can help us to identify areas where God is at work in our lives.

It is also worth noting that, while God's presence is often associated with feelings of peace and comfort, it can also be experienced in ways that are more tangible and visceral. This is evident in the life of Mariam, who was killed in a tragic accident in 2018. Her husband, David, has spoken publicly about the experience of feeling God's presence in the midst of his grief:

"I remember feeling a sense of peace in the midst of the storm. It was as if God was wrapping His arms around me and holding me close. It was a sense of comfort and peace that I had never experienced before."

Benefits of Seeking God's Presence

Transformation and Renewal

When we seek God's presence in times of struggle and hardship, we can experience a profound sense of transformation and renewal. This can take many forms, including a deeper sense of faith and dependence on God, a greater sense of peace and comfort, or a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

For example, Carolyn, who was diagnosed with cancer in her early 30s, found herself feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. However, through her experiences of seeking God's presence, she found a deep sense of peace and comfort that has stayed with her ever since:

"I remember feeling so lost and alone, but as I began to seek God's presence, I started to experience a sense of peace and comfort that I had never known before. It's as if God was holding me in His arms and saying, 'You are mine, and I will never leave you.' It's been life-changing for me."

Deeper Understanding of God's Love

Seeking God's presence in times of struggle and hardship can also lead to a deeper understanding of God's love for us. When we experience God's presence in the midst of hardship, we are reminded that God is not just a distant, abstract being, but a loving and relational God who is intimately involved in our lives.

As Psalm 147:3 reminds us, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." This verse speaks to a deep understanding of God's love and care for us, recognizing that He is a God who mends the broken and cares for the hurting.

Conclusion

God's presence is not limited to grand, miraculous events, but can be found in the everyday moments and experiences of life. By seeking God's presence in times of struggle and hardship, we can experience a profound sense of transformation and renewal, and develop a deeper understanding of God's love and care for us. Whether we are facing uncertainty and hardship, or just looking for a sense of comfort and peace, we can take comfort in the words of Psalm 34:18, which reminds us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.