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What does Psalm 34:18 mean?

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Psalm 34:18 is a powerful and comforting verse that speaks to the hearts of many believers.

The Verse reads:

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This verse is often used as a source of comfort during times of sorrow and grief, and it has been a source of inspiration for countless believers throughout the centuries. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of Psalm 34:18 and how it can bring comfort and hope to those who are hurting.

The Meaning of Psalm 34:18:

At its core, Psalm 34:18 speaks to the compassion and care of God. The verse acknowledges that there will be times in our lives when we feel brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. These can be times of intense pain, sorrow, and grief. However, the verse reminds us that we are not alone in these moments. The LORD is with us, and He is close to us. He sees our pain, and He cares for us deeply.

The phrase “brokenhearted” in this verse refers to those who have experienced deep emotional pain or heartache. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change. The phrase “crushed in spirit” refers to those who feel overwhelmed by the difficulties of life. This could include financial struggles, health problems, or other challenges that can make us feel like we are at the end of our rope.

Despite these challenges, the Psalmist reminds us that the LORD is close to us. He is not far off or distant but is intimately involved in our lives. He sees our pain, and He cares for us deeply. This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s love and compassion for us.

The Significance of Psalm 34:18:

The significance of Psalm 34:18 lies in its message of hope and comfort. The verse acknowledges that we will experience difficult times in our lives, but it also reminds us that we are not alone in these moments. God is with us, and He is close to us. This can be a source of great comfort and strength during times of pain and sorrow.

Moreover, this verse speaks to the nature of God. It tells us that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering. He sees our pain, and He cares deeply about our well-being. This is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, as it reminds us that we serve a God who is loving and compassionate.

Conclusion:

Psalm 34:18 is a powerful and comforting verse that speaks to the compassion and care of God. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is close to us, even in our most difficult moments. This verse can bring comfort and hope to those who are hurting and can serve as a source of strength during times of pain and sorrow. As we meditate on this verse, may we be reminded of the love and compassion of God and find peace and comfort in His presence.

What are the most popular Bibles?

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The Bible is the most widely read and influential book in human history, and it has been translated into thousands of languages around the world. In the United States, there are many different translations of the Bible available, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique features. Some are designed for scholarly study and research, while others are intended for devotional reading and spiritual reflection.

Based on sales data and popularity among Christians in the United States, we have compiled a list of the top 5 selling Bible translations. This list is not definitive or comprehensive, but it provides a snapshot of the most widely used and influential Bible translations in the United States. Whether you are a casual reader or a serious student of the Bible, there is likely a translation on this list that will meet your needs and preferences.

So here are the top 5 most popular versions of the Bible:

  1. New International Version (NIV): The NIV is the most popular Bible translation in the United States, and it has sold millions of copies since its initial release in 1978. It is used by many Christian denominations and is available in a wide range of formats. It seeks to balance accuracy and readability and has been revised several times.
  2. King James Version (KJV): The KJV has been one of the most popular and influential Bible translations for centuries, and it remains widely used in the United States. It was first published in 1611 and has been revised and updated numerous times since then. It uses traditional English language and has a poetic style so can be difficult to understand for some who prefer a more modern language style.
  3. New Living Translation (NLT): The NLT is a modern and dynamic translation that seeks to balance accuracy with readability. It was first published in 1996 and is popular among evangelical Christians, younger readers and for personal devotional use.
  4. English Standard Version (ESV): The ESV is a relatively recent translation that seeks to combine the literary beauty of the King James Version with modern accuracy and clarity. It was first published in 2001 and has gained popularity among conservative and evangelical Christians.
  5. Christian Standard Bible (CSB): The CSB is a translation that seeks to be both accurate and easy to read, using contemporary English. It was first published in 2017 and has been adopted by some Southern Baptist churches and conservative Christian churches.

In addition to the top 5 selling Bible translations in the USA, there are many other popular versions that are widely used and respected by Christians around the world. These include:

  • New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): The NRSV is a modern English translation that seeks to be faithful to the original texts while also being easy to read. It was first published in 1989 and is commonly used in academic settings.
  • Revised Standard Version (RSV): The RSV is a revision of the American Standard Version and seeks to be a more accurate and readable translation. It was first published in 1946 (NT) and the Old Testament added in 1952. It is commonly used in mainline Protestant churches.
  • New American Standard Bible (NASB): The NASB is a literal translation that seeks to be as close to the original texts as possible. It was first published in 1960 and has undergone several revisions and is popular among conservative Christians.
  • Amplified Bible (AMP): The AMP is a translation that seeks to amplify the meaning of the text by adding explanatory words and phrases in brackets and parentheses. It was first published in 1965 and has been used by some Christians for study and meditation.
  • The Message (MSG): The MSG is a translation that seeks to be engaging and easy to understand, using contemporary language and idioms. It was first published in 2002 and has been popular among youth and those who are new to the Bible.
  • Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB): The HCSB is a modern English translation that seeks to be both accurate and easy to read. It was first published in 2004 and has been adopted by some Southern Baptist churches.
  • Good News Translation (GNT): The GNT, also known as Today’s English Version, is a translation that seeks to make the Bible accessible to all readers, regardless of their level of education. It was first published in 1966 and has undergone several revisions.
  • New Jerusalem Bible (NJB): The NJB is a Catholic translation that seeks to be faithful to the original texts, while being readable and engaging in modern English. It was first published in 1985 and has been adopted by some Catholic churches.
  • Common English Bible (CEB): The CEB is a translation that seeks to be both accurate and easy to understand, using modern English. It was first published in 2011 and has been adopted by some mainline Protestant churches.
  • New Century Version (NCV): The NCV is a translation that seeks to be easy to read while also being accurate. It was first published in 1987 and is popular among younger readers. New Century Version (NCV): The NCV is a translation that seeks to be easy to read and understand, using modern English. It was first published in 1987 and has been popular among children and youth.
  • Contemporary English Version (CEV): The CEV is a translation that seeks to be easy to read and understand, particularly for those with limited English proficiency. It was first published in 1995 and has been adopted by some churches for use in outreach and evangelism.
  • World English Bible (WEB): The WEB is a public domain translation that seeks to be accurate and readable. It was first published in 1997 and is available for free online.
  • Lexham English Bible (LEB): The LEB is a translation that seeks to be as close to the original languages as possible, while being understandable in modern English. It was first published in 2010 and has been praised for its accuracy and clarity.
  • New International Reader’s Version (NIrV): The NIrV is a translation that seeks to be easy to read and understand, particularly for children and those with limited English proficiency. It was first published in 1996 and is popular in children’s Bibles.
  • Complete Jewish Bible (CJB): The CJB is a translation that seeks to connect Jewish readers with their heritage and traditions, while also being accessible to non-Jewish readers. It was first published in 1998 and has been popular among Messianic Jews and Christians interested in Jewish roots.
  • Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB): The OJB is a translation of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) that seeks to be faithful to traditional Jewish interpretation and commentary. It was first published in 2002 and is available in print and digital formats.
  • New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE): The NABRE is a Catholic translation that seeks to be both accurate and readable. It was first published in 2011 and is commonly used in Catholic liturgy.
  • Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB): The DRB is an English translation of the Latin Vulgate Bible that was first published in the 16th century. It is popular among traditionalist Catholics and has influenced the language of Catholic liturgy.
  • New King James Version (NKJV): The NKJV is a revision of the King James Version that seeks to update its language and style while retaining its literary quality. It was first published in 1982 and is popular among evangelical Christians.
  • Living Bible (TLB): The TLB is a paraphrase of the Bible that seeks to be easy to understand and engaging. It was first published in 1971 and is popular among evangelical Christians.
  • The Passion Translation (TPT): The TPT is a new translation that seeks to capture the emotional and poetic essence of the Bible. It was first published in 2017 and has been controversial among scholars for its interpretive approach.
  • The Voice Bible (VOICE): The VOICE is a translation that seeks to be both accurate and engaging, using narrative storytelling and poetic language. It was first published in 2012 and has been praised for its creative approach.
  • God’s Word Translation (GW): The GW is a translation that seeks to be easy to read and understand, using everyday English. It was first published in 1995 and has been popular among non-native English speakers and those who are new to the Bible.
  • Modern English Version (MEV): The MEV is a translation that seeks to be both accurate and readable, using modern English. It was first published in 2014 and has been adopted by some conservative and evangelical Christians.
  • The New Testament in Modern English (J.B. Phillips): The J.B. Phillips translation is a classic translation of the New Testament that seeks to be both accurate and easy to read, using modern English. It was first published in 1958 and has been widely used and loved by many Christians.
  • The Living Bible – Catholic Edition (TLBCE): The TLBCE is a Catholic edition of the Living Bible, which includes the Deuterocanonical books that are recognized by the Catholic Church. It was first published in 1971 and has been used in Catholic parishes and schools.
  • Orthodox Study Bible (OSB): The OSB is a translation of the Eastern Orthodox Bible that includes study notes, maps, and other resources to help readers understand the text in its historical and theological context. It was first published in 2008 and has been used by Eastern Orthodox Christians.
  • The Scriptures (ISR): The ISR is a translation that seeks to be faithful to the original Hebrew and Greek texts, while being accessible to modern readers. It uses the Hebrew name for God, YHWH, and includes footnotes explaining Hebrew and Greek words. It was first published in 1993 and has been used by some Messianic Jews and Christians.
  • The Clear Word Bible (CWB): The CWB is a paraphrase of the Bible that includes commentary and additional text to help readers understand the meaning and application of the text. It was first published in 1994 and has been used by some Seventh-day Adventist Christians.
  • The International Standard Version (ISV): The ISV is a translation that seeks to be both accurate and readable, using modern English. It was first published in 2011 and has been adopted by some conservative and evangelical Christians.
  • The Revised English Bible (REB): The REB is a revision of the New English Bible, which seeks to be both accurate and accessible, using modern English. It was first published in 1989 and has been used by some Christians in the United Kingdom.

The 10 Commandments of Relaxation

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The damnedest thing just happened to me: there I was, minding my own business on the mountain side, when this burning bush just set light. I know, right? Also, I found these two stone tablets with ten directives on how life should be lead. But don’t let these commandments cause you any undue stress: it’s time to relax!

1. You are just as important as everyone else, and you deserve a relaxing, healthy lifestyle, putting no other before yourself.

Finding the time to relax and purge the stress from your life isn’t about being selfish, but you will never truly find success in these things unless you accept yourself fully, and learn to factor in your needs when it comes to making difficult decisions. You deserve time to yourself, less stress and a better quality of life too!

2. Thou shalt carve out for thyself a routine, a list of things to be completed each day. (This list shall be most efficiently rendered on paper, rather than etched upon stone tablets).

Prioritise what you have to achieve at least once a week and tick things off as you go. Recognise what has the potential to become a source of stress in the future and tackle it sooner rather than later. Remember to allocate time for yoga classes, a long soak or your comfort breaks too!

3. Thou shalt be (a little) vain.

Relaxation through a proper pampering is nothing to be ashamed of. If looking great makes you feel great, then indulge: putting on a facial scrub, painting your nails or spending some time on your hair can be relaxing activities in themselves. Of course, getting someone else to do it all for you if someone has got you a Health spa gift voucher would be nicer…

4. Remember that whilst the Sabbath day is holy, it’s also the day before Monday and the other six days on which you shall labour.

The length of a weekend is almost all in the mind. If you destroy sleep in the week, the weekend doesn’t get started until sometime in the late Saturday afternoon. And if the week ahead intimidates you, you’ll start thinking about it sometime before Sunday dinner. Banish this negative feeling with a Sunday night bath filled with your favourite bubbles.

5. Honour your father and your mother, your family and friends by both respecting their right to relax, and by spending more time with them.

On the first hand, the worst possible thing you can do is shift your worst troubles and responsibilities onto someone else. Equally, time spent with family and friends is an effective way of managing stress: remember that we’re social creatures, and loneliness frequently leads to unhappiness. Even hugging a close friend once a week can do wonders for your outlook.

6. Thou shalt not take up a knife and do bloody murder upon a large chocolate cake, or find comfort in the arms of a tub of Ben & Jerry’s.

Excess of any kind is frequently terrible for relaxation. You know to avoid caffeine (in not just coffee but teas and soft drinks too) and you should also avoid the sugary treats if you want to avoid bouncing off the walls (and coming down after it all isn’t much fun either). Eating healthily isn’t just about extending how long you shuffle around in your twilight years: all those vitamin sources are there to ensure that your long life is a happy, balanced one.

7. Thou shalt commit thyself to proper sleeping times and stop staying up for the conclusions of bad action movies.

Eight hours is optimum, and you’ll undermine it by going to sleep and waking up at different times each day, so don’t do that. You know how bad action movies end, and the only reason you want to watch to the end is because you know you won’t ever be stupid enough to sit through the beginning again.

8. Thou shalt steal time.

Ok, perhaps ‘stealing’ is a little too negative (I’m labouring this commandment theme, ok?), and obviously you shouldn’t ‘steal’ time in the evenings… but will anyone miss that couple of minutes you take to go and get everyone a cup of tea? Or to go and speak to a colleague rather the sending them another email? In stressful situations, it’s better in the long term to remove yourself for a short break, rather than carrying on and letting yourself potentially make mistakes. And if you can do it in a way that ultimately benefits everyone else or the task at hand, nobody is going to mind.

9. Thou shalt have a good laugh (just not at thy neighbour’s expense).

Whoever invented laughter probably won a noble prize, considering that it’s apparently a better medicine than penicillin. Seek out other people and activities that get you laughing, and try to see the funny side of any situation, and you’ll get the endorphins  you need.

10. Thou shalt not sit on thy lazy ass.

Relaxation may sound like a lot of sitting back and watching the clouds roll by, but you still have to be proactive in making these things happen. It’s also completely the case that procrastination will catch up with you sooner or later: if you don’t achieve anything, you’ll be unhappy, and you’ll just be storing up your stress for a time when you’re even less well equipped to deal with it. And being active in a more literal sense (perhaps going for a regular walk or even a session at the gym) will keep you healthy and happy.

Steph Wood is a copywriter and blogger for Sanctuary Spa, a UK-based day spa with a wide range of Pamper gifts for women.

The Benefits of Deep Breathing

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Deep Breathing is known by a few names: abdominal breathing, belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and some others. The basic concept is breathing fully, using the full capacity of the lungs and getting the maximum amount of oxygen available into the lungs at all times. What a wonderful concept! I doubt that anyone could intelligently argue against this good practice, but there may be more benefits from deep breathing than we realize.

One of the uses of the practice of deep breathing is to help solve stuttering and stammering. If you have ever been afflicted by this problem or if you know someone who has been, you can imagine the relief that would come from solving it. It stands to reason that if controlled and purposeful breathing can solve such a disability as this, it would be beneficial in any speaking scenario such as public speaking, important meetings, or even just conversations with friends.

Another use is to relieve tension. Remember how your grandmother used to tell you to take a deep breath when you were upset or angry? Well, now Grandma’s advice is fully backed by scientific evidence that this works to calm things down. I realize that you didn’t need scientific proof to know that Grandma gave good advice, but it’s still fun to hear that. When we are tense, our whole bodies tighten up and constrict in a way that does not promote health. Blood and oxygen do not flow as easily as they should, so the cells are not nourished properly. Relieving tension lets the systems of the body flow and operate as they should.

Breathing well, breathing deeply, relaxes the mind and body and is known to bring some relief to emotional problems. We all know that the stresses of life can show up in our health and in how our bodies operate. If you’ve looked at someone who is stressed or worried, you’ll be able to see it in their face, in their posture, and in their overall body language. All of that is what shows on the outside. The furrowed brow, the slumped shoulders, the drawn face are the outside manifestations of stress and upset. Reactions happen on the inside too, but they are hidden from our direct view. Anything that can relieve upset and stress will benefit health and all of life.

While it is certainly not a substitute for exercise, deep breathing helps to build muscle. The actions of tissue repair and muscle building require nutrients and one of those nutrients is oxygen. Breathing deeply supplies more oxygen to more cells so that tissues can heal and muscle can build. The action of breathing deeply exercises the lungs and gently massages the abdominal organs around the lungs and the diaphragm. This gentle and constant motion helps keep all these organs more alive and awake. The heart is also greatly benefited from each deep breath because its job of delivering oxygen to all parts of the body is made easier by the abundance of available oxygen.

The act of breathing deeply will help to improve digestion and nutrient assimilation. Every cell needs oxygen to operate well and the cells of the digestive system are no exception. Digestion is a big job with many different processes happening simultaneously. Eating well is only part of winning the game of health. Making sure the food is digested properly and helping the body get all the nutrients from food is just as important to good health.

The nervous system is also improved by deep breathing. The brain, the spinal cord and all the nerves need their proper amount of oxygen, too. Proper breathing makes oxygen more available to this vital communication system of the body and allows it to function as it should.

There are so many benefits from the simple act breathing deeply, it seems funny that more attention isn’t placed on this simple action. It helps improve the immune system, relieves pain, and elevates our mood. It improves the quality of our blood, increases stamina and boosts energy. On top of all that, deep breathing is one of the best ways to detoxify the whole body. It is said that a body releases 60 to 80 percent of its toxins through breathing alone. That in itself is a great reason to learn this simple procedure, practice it well and adopt it as a most healthful habit. Your life will be better for it.

Many years ago I read the ‘Science of Breath’ by Yogi Ramacharaka (a.k.a  William Walker Atkinson) and practice the Complete Breath which is a combination of Low, Mid and High Breaths that are done in the order shown, in such a way that they form one uniform, continuous and complete breath.  You can find an excellent summary of techniques and exercises  of the Science of Breath here.

Natural Home Made Cough Remedy

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Nia ( as my daughter Varinia calls herself ) and her partner Shaun came to visit last night. Poor Varinia has a really bad cold similar to something I had myself recently, so I gave a cough remedy that Paula had found on the net, and that I use whenever I have a cold.

This recipe helps to break down congestion and stops the coughing42-15654483

Although the recipe is from Herbally Yours by Penny C. Royal, 3rd Edition, June 1982, I have spoken to a number of people whose mothers gave them various renditions of the mixture when they were younger.

The remedy works especially well for dry hacking coughs that keep you awake at night and hang on even once the symptoms of the cold are finished.

Home Cough Remedy

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons water.

Mix all the ingredients together. I find a couple of tablespoons seems to work.

You will see why this remedy works once you read about the beneficial effects of the individual ingredients:

  • Ginger (zingiber officinale) is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that has long been used and recommended for arthritis and bursitis. Ginger is known for relieving chest congestion and is also a natural antihistamine and is used for for motion sickness and nausea.
  • Cayenne (capsaicin) is warming and stimulating making it an excellent addition to a cold remedy, it eases chills and reduces pain by suppressing the chemical that sends the pain message from the nerve endings to the brain.
  • Vinegar is another ingredient that has so many healthful uses.
  • Honey is soothing and is a useful ingredient for the relief from colds. Honey is known to draw pus and poisons out of wounds and it is useful for relief from colds.

The mixture is strong tasting even with water added. I keep the mixture in the refrigerator after I make it.

Note:

  • Do not give this mixture to young children not only because of the strong hot taste but a child with a persistent cough should be seen by a doctor.
  • Do not give honey to children under 1 year old unless it is pasteurized or boiled for five minutes.
  • Any cold that persists should be treated by a doctor.