Psalm 34:18 reads, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” As the volunteer who led the devotion shared this truth, I glanced at the many faces in the circle. One woman’s reaction to these words particularly stood out. The volunteer talked about what a comfort this verse has been to her through very difficult times. She explained that God is always near us, no matter the struggles we face. The woman I was watching turned away from the circle at this point, as if to say “you don’t understand my struggles!” However you could tell she continued to listen to what was being shared and her body language began to relax. She even attempted to sing “My Eye Is on the Sparrow” with us.

It is true that we and our volunteers may not have faced the same struggles as the precious people we serve. However we live in a fallen world and have dealt with many difficulties. During the 18-plus months we have been coming downtown, God has faithfully shown us that we are all equally sinful and that we are all in need of His grace—the most important gift we can receive. True change only comes through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God is at work in the park and this woman’s softening is proof! Continue to pray that He will change hearts as His word is proclaimed in Linn Park each week.