It is always disheartening to me when, in wildlife, a mom pushes away a weak or misfunctioning newborn. Nature is nature. I understand this—at least somewhat. What I understand more through the mirror I see through dimly is that humankind is not wildlife. We are created in our Creator’s image. There’s a whole lot of mystery wrapped in our sinful yet divine DNA, a mystery that cannot be unwrapped on this side, but even when we cry (or cry out), the theology is correct in Psalm 34:18 which reads, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Unlike the hardwiring of an animal on mother mode, consider this week how God never pushes us away. Even when we push God away, or outright ignore His love or guidance because we’re crushed in spirit, God is close—so close—to the crushed and to the brokenhearted. Said differently, God is never distant. We are.