DISCIPLE BLUEPRINT PODCAST

Hope & Despair Series — Episode 3 of 5

GOD IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

What Scripture actually says about where God is when you're brokenhearted — and why His nearness doesn't depend on how you feel.

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KEY VERSE

Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

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EPISODE OVERVIEW

One of the most damaging things the spiral does is distort your perception of God. You can still believe all the right things — and still feel like He is somewhere far away from wherever you are.

This episode goes directly at that feeling. Not with a lecture. With Scripture. Because what God says about where He is when you're brokenhearted is more direct than most people realize.

We cover:

- Why the spiral distorts your perception of God's nearness even when your theology is right

- Psalm 34:18 — the qualification for God's nearness is brokenheartedness, not spiritual strength

- Lamentations 3:21-23 — hope chosen from the ruins, in the middle of devastation

- How God responded to Elijah — a meal, not a sermon

- Romans 15:13 — hope is something God produces, not something you manufacture

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FROM THIS EPISODE

SCRIPTURE LIBRARY — Hope and Despair Scripture passages organized for when you need them most.

https://discipleblueprint.com/scripture-library/hub/

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RESOURCES & LINKS

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Free Guide — When Hope Stops Feeling Real: https://discipleblueprint.com/?ff_landing=44

Free Stuff Library: https://discipleblueprint.com/free-stuff/

Scripture Library: https://discipleblueprint.com/scripture-library/hub/

Explore Membership: https://www.discipleblueprint.com/explore-membership

Disciple Blueprint Store:

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ABOUT RAYMOND SMITH

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Raymond is the founder of Disciple Blueprint, a Baptist deacon, retired IT executive, and author of three books. He launched Disciple Blueprint in October 2024 — six months after losing his wife Wendy of 33 years to pancreatic cancer. His mission is helping Christians become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Follow us on Facebook and YouTube @discipleblueprint

discipleblueprint.com