“The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit — who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14 TNIV).
It only takes a few moments watching the news to understand why sadness is all around us. Wars, earthquakes, fires, shootings, missiles killing children, disease, death everywhere. Even for the eternal optimist, life can be heavy and hard to endure.
The writer of Proverbs called it ‘a crushed spirit.’ Appropriate wordsmithing as our spirits can indeed feel crushed by the chaos of our world. A crushed spirit can even affect our prayers, plunging us into self-doubt or questioning why God allows such suffering. For those who spend their lives ministering to the hurting, the sadness can lead to melancholy. The encouragement tank feels empty.
All of us need to be more intentional to give affirming words to those who grieve and to those who serve the grieving. To the waitress who refills our coffee up even while her feet are killing her. To the delivery boy at the door who needs a decent tip. To the pastor behind the pulpit who is pouring out the last ounce of strength. To the single mom who has just finished her third job that day. To ourselves when we struggle to face a new day.
What are some tools we can use when we suffer from a crushed spirit?
Be honest with a safe person. We so glibly answer, “I’m fine,” when others ask, “How are you?” Being authentic about our feelings is the first step toward healing. In a counseling training session, I learned the acronym for ‘FINE.’ Underneath the crooked smile is often the more authentic answer of: ‘Feelings I’m not expressing.’
One of the safest places to speak our truth is within a journal. Vent out your feelings. Vomit on the page. Rant and rage against what has happened to you. If you’re afraid someone might read it, destroy those pages and give your emotions to God.
Know you are not alone. Multiple others are stepping into the emotional pit of discouragement — right now. Loneliness is a global issue. Grief is everywhere, leaving soul tatters in its wake. Even scripture lists several folks who experienced sadness or despair.
- Elijah, who hid from Jezebel’s anger and told God he was ready to die. (1st Kings 19:3-5)
- The poet shepherd David, who ran for his life from many enemies, including his son. (Psalm 22:1-2)
- Naomi, suffering the grief of losing her husband and both sons. (Ruth 1:20-21)
- Paul, who needed the encouragement of his friends, Philemon and Onesimus (Philippians 1:7)
- Even Jesus experienced great sorrow when his friends could not stay awake to support him. (Matthew 26:36-40)
Self-care. We are holistic creatures; body, soul, and spirit. When we feel attacked in one area, it can affect us in another. An emotional hit can become a migraine and a sleepless night. A crushed spirit can merge into the melancholy of depression. Spiritual turmoil can cause dis-ease of the body in a variety of ways.
Self-care may involve seeking the help of a therapist and/or using antidepressants for a time. Setting healthy boundaries is an important part of self-care. We cannot be everything to everyone every single day. We can ask for assistance from safe people. Take that coffee break or that vacation — no matter how much work piles up.
Nutrition fuels the body and soothes the soul. God sent an angel to provide Elijah with healthy food and water. He also encouraged his prophet to rest. Part of my self-care involves taking an internet Sabbath. No electronics on Sundays.
Taking a self-care break may involve driving to another town for dinner and a movie. A long walk in the beauty of nature. Moving the phone away from the bedside at night. Going to bed at a decent time. Allowing yourself to have a treat. Ice cream is appropriate at any time of day.
Turn to God. Ultimately, God loves every part of our holistic selves. God is the one who sustains us with enough spiritual and emotional juice to keep going. The promises of God are just as appropriate for us as for the people we serve and just as genuine as when they were written in the first century.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NASB).
No matter what we go through on this earth, it is only temporary. The God of sustaining power is able to uphold us so that we will endure — until we step into our eternal home.
©2026 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved
Image Attribution: Alexas-Fotos / Pixabay
For more reflections on how to endure the sadness, check out Sustain Us, Oh Lord: Finding Strength When Life is Hard.