Scripture References: Psalm 34:18

Intro: Welcome. Today's sermon is a powerful personal testimony centered on Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." We'll hear how God proved this verse true through decades of significant pain, loss, and trauma, demonstrating His unfailing presence and saving power.

Key Points:

1. Early Brokenness: Childhood marked by father's alcoholism and abandonment, sexual abuse by a neighbor leading to deep shame and boundary issues. Early exposure to religion left questions unanswered.
2. Teenage Turmoil & First Marriage: Navigated social unrest and difficult home life. Entered an early "rescue marriage." Experienced miscarriages and the devastating loss of a son during labor. Became a young, divorced single mother – brokenhearted.
3. Second Marriage & Deeper Crushing: Cohabitation brought guilt. Material success masked marital breakdown involving pornography, affairs, alcohol abuse, and escalating violence. Led to humiliation, betrayal, loss of self-worth – crushed in spirit, though not fully recognized at the time.
4. Encountering Jesus (The Turning Point): Following a violent incident, an invitation to a Bible study led to understanding God's Word for the first time. Encountered Christ and was saved at age 39.
5. Discipleship & Healing: Intentional discipleship through a friend (Donna), centered on Scripture (Life Recovery Bible), brought understanding and healing. Began finding true identity in Christ.
6. Continued Trials, God's Closeness: Husband returned, bringing conflict over faith. Lost both parents within a few years. Claimed Psalm 34:18 personally during this renewed brokenness (1998). Second marriage ended due to worsening abuse. Moved and experienced a time of restoration through God's Word.
7. Love, Loss, and Deeper Reliance: Found true unconditional love in a third marriage to Rex. Faced his terminal cancer diagnosis shortly after marrying and profound grief after his death. In the deepest pain, even when unable to read, clung to God's Word.
8. Restoration & Purpose: God replaced grief with passion for the hurting and a deeper desire for His Word. Proving He restores and brings purpose out of pain.

Conclusion: Through childhood abuse, divorce, the loss of children, parents, and a beloved husband, and severe marital betrayal, God consistently proved Himself close to the brokenhearted and the rescuer of the crushed in spirit. He was present in the deepest shame and pain, bringing salvation, healing, identity, and restoration. No matter your trauma, complete healing is found in Jesus.

Call to Action: If you are brokenhearted or crushed in spirit today, know this: The Lord IS close to YOU. Turn to Him. He sees your pain, understands your shame, and offers salvation and complete healing. Don't carry burdens alone; let the Healer touch your deepest wounds. Seek intentional, scripture-centered discipleship.

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