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

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A crush injury occurs when excessive force or pressure is put on a body part. Physically, they are difficult to heal and are very painful. A spiritual crush injury is even more painful and difficult to heal because our spirits feel pain more intensely, deeply, and longer than our bodies.

When I was going through my surprise divorce 15 years ago, my spirit was crushed for a couple of years. Even when I consider all the many physical and spiritual injuries I have experienced,  my divorce was the most painful period of my life. I read and prayed Psalm 34 every day. God was my constant companion, and He held me close.

One of the most amazing ways God healed me from the divorce was through my volunteering at the Willow Creek Care Center in South Barrington—turning my solitude and pain to a sweet time with Him. He lovingly blessed me as I served others in their needs, giving me a story and hope and joy to share with others, to encourage them while I helped them get food.

The fantastic news is that Jesus came not only to rescue us for eternity, but to also show us how to live a full, loving life. He came to give us abundant life right here, right now, not just later after we pass through the veil of death.

God does save and heal those of us who are crushed in spirit, both directly and through service to others. And serving others in their need with a spirit of love is one of the best ways to say, “Thanks, I love you” to God. 

Next Steps

• Read Psalm 34, pausing to reflect on the various lines as you read the psalm. Life is frequently difficult, and crushing injuries are common. Along with Psalm 27, it is a helpful psalm to be familiar with.
• Sign up to help pack seeds at any of the Willow Creek church campuses. Even if you are not currently going through a dark or difficult time, you will be blessed for serving others, both individuals and families, who desperately need the hope of seeds for food and even income.
• Ask God to have your daily path cross with another person who needs a touch of hope or kindness that you can share.