The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Devotion

Have you ever been just living life when out of the blue you are reminded of an experience or past situation? The last several months have been like that for me—I have been reminded of times I would honestly rather forget. Initially, I brushed it off. By the fourth or fifth time, I decided I should probably explore this a little more. I stepped into my past with anxiety and trepidation. 

In that space, where I allowed myself to think about “little Nevan,” the Nevan who existed 20+ years ago, I found God’s great love and faithfulness. I chose to follow Christ as a child, approximately seven years old. I stood in a trailer park with a group of friends and a treat from the corner store. We were walking back home and stopped, as kids do, when my brother did something that prompted me to call him a name. In that exact moment, the conviction of the Holy Spirit flooded my little heart. I told God, “I am sorry. I want to follow you.” I wish I could remember more. I don’t even know if I apologized to my brother. 

From then on, I followed the Lord. I learned to pray when I was worried, scared, or lonely. I praised him on Sunday morning with my parents at church. I was his and he was mine. The years that followed were filled with experiences I would not wish on anyone. I have no doubt that God’s grace is what kept me together. Psalm 34:18 declares, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” There is no better place to be when life is challenging than in the arms of Christ our Lord. No matter the season you find yourself in, he wants you by his side. He wants you to spend time with him. 

As a church, we have talked a lot about the Discipleship Pathway. Each of the pillars (weekly worship, groups, and your personal relationship) are necessary. Through these pillars, we grow spiritually and as a community. Each of these pillars are integral to our walk with Christ, we cannot deny one or the other. We were created for community and to be in relationship with God.

As I stepped into my past, and remembered feelings and harmful experiences, the Holy Spirit reminded me that he was there. He was with me. He reminded me of the community I was in, of the people who surrounded me, and the sweet moments of his goodness and faithfulness throughout my life. 

No matter the season you find yourself in, I hope you seek him. You will find him. He is already reaching out to you. I hope you will examine your life and ask God to show you what you need. Maybe you need to look back and see his faithfulness. Maybe you are in a season of famine and need to give your fears, worries, and anxieties to him. Maybe you are in a season of plenty, and it is time to give and be thankful.

PRAYER

God, you are so good. You are holy. You are love. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness. Please guide me to a deeper relationship with you. Help me to see your faithfulness in the difficult seasons and to draw closer to you. Thank you, Lord, for the body of Christ surrounding me, may these friendships grow and bring us closer to you. Amen.

Nevan White
Administrative Assistant for Congregational Care

Resources:

Learn more about the Discipleship Pathway.  

Watch Episode 1: Overview of How to Study the Bible by Cliff Sanders.

Watch the Series The Secret of Contentment: A Study of the Book of Philippians by Terry Feix.

Listen to the 5-Day Bible Reading Plan Podcast with Lance Ward. 

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions .