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Intention

To draw near to those who are hurting, reminding them of God’s closeness and His deep love and desire for them to come to Him.

Scripture

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

– Psalm 34:18

Reflection

As an evangelist sharing my faith daily – from the pavement to the platform – I’ve noticed that the Scripture I share most often isn’t the one you might expect.

While I frequently quote John 3:16, the verse I feel most compelled by the Holy Spirit to share is Psalm 34:18.

This verse holds deep personal significance in my own journey to salvation in Jesus. Time and again, when I share it, I’ve seen it impact others in much the same way it first impacted me.

We are all created for relationship with God. But sin is, in essence, turning and running away from Him. It leaves us broken-hearted and separated from Him. Yet, we often convince ourselves that it’s God who has rejected us.

The truth is quite the opposite. Like the prodigal son, we are the ones who have taken off. And just like the father in that parable, God doesn’t change location. He’s still there. He’s still close – waiting, eager for us to return so He can restore us and throw a party in heaven.

Before I came to faith in Jesus, I would have told you I was an atheist. But deep down, I believed in God. I simply misunderstood His nature and character. It was easier to pretend He didn’t exist. Then three simple words changed everything: “Jesus loves you.”

I was so confused. I remember thinking, “If I walk into a church, I’ll probably catch fire – I’m such a bad person.”

But those three simple words stirred something in me. If God is real, and if He truly loves me, maybe He can help me. So, I cried out to Him. He met me right in the middle of my mess.

No one needed to tell me I was a filthy, rotten sinner. In the moment I encountered His love, I knew I had fallen short. It was His goodness that led me to repentance.

We all need Jesus. I sinned. You sinned. We’ve all sinned. I’ve been there, done that, bought the T-shirt – and worn it out. I found myself exposed, naked and ashamed. And just like with the woman caught in adultery, Jesus knelt down and lifted me out of my mess.

Every day I pray: God, never let me forget that I was like that woman caught in adultery. And never let my heart become like the Pharisees, ready to throw stones.

It’s so easy to slip into self-righteousness. But we must remember: we cannot save ourselves. Only the gospel has the power to save.

I need Jesus today just as much as I did 23 years ago. Remembering this helps me meet people where they are and introduce them to Jesus – the One who is close to the broken-hearted.

If He could save me, He can save anyone.

Recently, I’ve been going through a difficult season. Inspired by Psalm 34:18, I wrote a song. I pray it blesses you, and maybe you can share it with someone who’s struggling today.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Canberra Declaration community for your prayers and support during this time.

Video

Prayer

God, I thank You that when I was far from You and broken-hearted, You were always close.

I pray for my friends, my family, and for anyone who feels distant from You. I pray that they would encounter the same love that saved me.

I also ask that You would give me, and every believer reading this, the boldness to share Your love with those who are living in brokenness. Amen.

Author Bio

Pat is an evangelist with Youth for Christ Australia, director of Hope Movement, and co-producer of Made in Jesus. He is passionate about prayer and worship and loves telling people about the hope that he has found in Jesus. His mission is to equip believers with simple and practical tools to share hope.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

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