“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

You know, usually I write these devotionals every Sunday to encourage y’all in the Lord, but I have to be very honest—this week, I am the one needing encouragement. So this one might be more for me than it even is for you.

A couple of days ago, my husband and I received some heartbreaking news. A dear friend—someone we’ve known for nearly the entirety of our 30-year relationship—lost his son in a tragic incident. A great kid. Great parents. The kind of family that really loves Jesus and lives for Him.

And while I know in my head that this young man was a believer—that he’s now with Jesus in eternal peace—my heart is so confused. My heart hurts for his parents. It hurts because I don’t understand. I find myself asking God why… Why them? Why now? Why like this?

Maybe you’re not walking through the same kind of loss, but I’d be willing to guess that you’re walking through something—some disappointment, unanswered prayer, or painful situation—where God’s will is hard to accept. You love Him, you trust Him… and still, you hurt.

A sweet friend reminded me of a simple truth this week, and now I want to remind you:

God is near the brokenhearted.

He’s not distant. He’s not cold. He’s not silent. He is near. He draws close in our pain, in our confusion, in our sorrow. He sees us and He stays with us.

So this week, let’s pray for each other. Let’s whisper the names of those we love before the Lord. And if you have a moment, please whisper a prayer for my friends who are walking through deep grief right now—that God would carry them, comfort them, and surround them with His presence in a way only He can.

Your Real Estate Bestie,