The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,

....     And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken (Psalm 34:17-20). The fact that the righteous need deliverance from their troubles and afflictions (verses 17, 19), clearly indicates that the righteous are not exempt from afflictions and troubles. Jesus told the disciples “In this world you will have troubles, but take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Verse 20 is a prophecy about Jesus.  During crucifixion,  the legs of those being crucified were broken at times.  It finished them off, because they could no longer push down on their legs in order to get breath. When they came to Jesus He was already dead,  so his bones were not broken (John 19:31 – 33, 36).

Jesus was certainly righteous (Hebrews 4:15), so these verses certainly apply to Him, and so we need to ask in what sense was He delivered?  As far as I can see, deliverance comes in three possible ways. Firstly then the troubles and afflictions can, one way or the other,  simply be removed,  and the problems solved. Secondly, the deliverance can come as a way of escape,  as the ability is given to stand up under the trial or temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Finally,  ultimate deliverance comes in the hereafter, when there will be no more pain,  or tears,  or death (Revelation 21:4).  In relation to this last way, in the faith chapter, the Scripture speaks about the heroes of the faith who “were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35).  In terms of a better resurrection we don't know exactly what that means, but we do know that  “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name” (Hebrews 6:10).

Even if the deliverance is of the first variety, it might not be as quick as we desire.   God often uses trials to strengthen us, and we are admonished to wait patiently on the Lord,  and to let  perseverance complete the work He wants to do in us (Psalm 37:7; James 1:4). As to the Lord being near to the broken hearted (verse 18), the Father sent Jesus to heal broken hearts (Luke 4:18, quoting Isaiah 61:1). He healed mine,  as with His help I have learned to wait patiently, and continue to wait patiently for Him on a promised deliverance in the here and now.  He has used and continues to use the situation to establish my steps,  and to put a song in my mouth a song of praise to my God. And He has promised to use this for the Kingdom, so that many will see and fear and put their trust in Him (Psalm 40:1-3). 

Father, You are not a man that You should lie (Numbers 23:19), what You say You will do, You will do,  for You are faithful. Thank You Lord that You are actively at work in all things for good for those who love You,  and are called according to Your purposes (Romans 8:28). Strengthen us this morning, Lord and continue to heal our broken hearts as we surrender day by day under Your mighty hand. And we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen