Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.
The brokenhearted think God is far away when He is closest to them, standing right beside them in friendship to console. Yet the simple act of faith will reveal Him. And mark this: the Lord never breaks with judgment those already wounded by conviction. He absolves the sinner at the very moment the sinner condemns himself. Salvation is bound to contrition.
AI summary
The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (l) When they seem to be swallowed up with afflictions, then God is at hand to deliver them.
The face of the Lord turns against evildoers and overwhelms them with the power of destruction until no trace of their earthly existence remains. But to the brokenhearted, those whose self-loving life is shattered at the root and subdued by grievous experiences that lead to true repentance, the Lord draws near and preserves them.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 34:16-21