God is Close to the Broken Hearted

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Have you ever felt like God stands far away? That when you needed Him most, He was nowhere to be found? Many scholars and theologians believe that Psalms 9 and 10 would have likely been connected as one song, which makes this shout of frustration even more relatable. Remember that Psalm 9 was full of joyous language and praise for God’s righteous judgment. But just verses later, maybe even in the same breath of singing, the tables turn. The God who once brought us joy has now become the source of our vexation, our confusion, and our sorrow. Why is He hard to find? Why is He hidden during times of trouble? Anyone who suffers asks some form of this question, and it’s valid. But that doesn’t mean it has to go unanswered.

Throughout Scripture, we consistently see two truths that on their surface seem to be opposed. 

The first is that God is actually closer than we think. He is near to the brokenhearted, surrounding the hurting, and comforting the distressed. The second truth is that God is rare. There aren’t infinite paths to God and because of this, He is hard to find. 

But here is where we can find comfort today - these two truths are woven perfectly together in Christ and His finished work. As the only true path, Jesus demonstrates God’s exclusivity and rarity. And yet, through His resurrection, all who call on His name can draw near to God and experience His intimate closeness and relationship.

So why is God hard to find? Because He knows that His infinite worthiness demands His exclusivity, which then compels us to lean more fully into the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus. And when we find more of Jesus, we find more of all that we could ever need. More comfort. More hope. More joy. More fullness. More contentment, even in the hardship.