“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”
Psalm 34:17-20
📜 The Verse in Different Translations — Psalm 34:17-20
NIV
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. The Lord protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”
KJV
“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”
ESV
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. The Lord keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
Psalm 34 is attributed to David, written during a time of personal distress when he feigned madness before Abimelech to escape danger (1 Samuel 21:10-15). The psalm emphasizes God’s closeness to those who are suffering and His power to deliver them from their troubles. It offers reassurance that even in the depths of despair, God’s presence is near, and He is attentive to the cries of the brokenhearted. This psalm has historically been a source of comfort for believers facing hopeless circumstances, reminding them that God’s mercy and salvation are available to all who seek Him sincerely. The themes of divine protection, compassion, and deliverance resonate deeply with those experiencing despair, encouraging trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness despite life’s hardships.
🔗 Related Bible Verses About hopelessness
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;”
Highlights God's role as the source of comfort in times of despair.
Romans 8:35
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
Reminds believers that nothing can separate them from God's love, even in hopeless situations.
Psalm 40:1-3
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.”
Shows God's attentiveness and willingness to rescue those who wait on Him.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Offers reassurance of God's presence and strength in times of fear and hopelessness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Emphasizes God's unfailing mercy and faithfulness, renewing hope each day.
💡 Practical Reflection for Your Life
In moments of deep hopelessness, it is vital to remember that God’s love and mercy remain steadfast. The Bible assures us that no matter how dark our circumstances may seem, God’s presence is near, ready to comfort and deliver. Psalm 34 reminds us that the Lord hears our cries and is close to the brokenhearted. When life feels overwhelming, turning to Scripture can renew our hope and strengthen our faith. God’s promises are unchanging, and His power to save is limitless. Trusting in His timing and sovereignty allows us to endure hardships with patience and confidence. We are called to cast our burdens upon Him, knowing He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Let these verses be a reminder that hope is never lost when we cling to God’s promises, for He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
🙏 Prayer Based on This Verse
🙏 Heavenly Father, I come to You in my time of despair, seeking Your comfort and peace. You are the God of hope, and I trust in Your promises to deliver and sustain me. Please lift my burdens and fill my heart with Your love and reassurance. Help me to remember that I am never alone, for You are always near. Strengthen my faith to believe that You are working all things together for good, even when I cannot see it. Grant me patience and courage to endure my struggles, knowing that Your mercy is new every morning. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to trust in Your timing. Thank You for Your unfailing love and for being my refuge in times of hopelessness. I surrender my worries to You, confident that You will bring light into my darkness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
