A Broken Heart
Today's Verse:
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. ~Psalm 34:18
Psalm 34 is a well-loved psalm. It is David’s psalm that he wrote after God delivered him out of the hands of Saul. Though the experience of running from Saul was very harrowing to him, David grew exponentially in his spiritual life. It is during this extended time of trial and great suffering that David drew closer to God. This morning, let us see how being broken in heart turned David into a man of great faith in God.
We see the cause of a broken heart.
David was in great fear and apprehension for his life. Saul was in hot pursuit after him. There were multiple times when David could sense Saul closing in on him. His mind raced with anxious thoughts. “Will Saul catch up with me? Will Saul kill me? God, why is this happening in my life?” Over time, David was broken and crushed. Being broken and crushed caused him to see how vulnerable, weak, and helpless he was. He could not strategize himself through this trial. God allowed this trial into David’s life to teach him about God’s grace. This trial was meant to work on David’s character and life for the glory of God.
We see the coming from a broken heart.
This trial drove David to God. David sought the Lord. When we come to the end of ourselves, we know there is only one person to go to and that’s the Lord. There was no human figure that could help David. There was no human means that he could turn to. David turned to the Lord. Being broken and crushed taught him dependence and trust in the Lord. Being broken and crushed caused David to see that only God could restore the broken pieces of his life.
We see the consolation for a broken heart.
As soon as David turned his eyes on the Lord, we read how the Lord preserved him. David drew close to the Lord, and the Lord drew close to David. What a consolation! David found the Lord to be a resting place for him. God was his refuge and strength. David discovered how much the Lord loved and cared for him. David increased in his faith, dependence, and trust in God. He discovered that Saul could close in on him, but Saul could not touch him.
We see the consecration from a broken heart.
The most important thing David learned from his trial was that it was God’s tool in making him a man of God. God’s men are molded in the fire of the crucible. David was broken and crushed into small pieces spiritually. He was desperate for God to arise and work on his behalf. Through this trial, Psalm 34 was written. Through this trial, David developed a deeper and more powerful prayer life. David’s character was refined in obedience. David got rid of his independence and looked to God alone. He learned to bless the Lord, trust the Lord, and fear the Lord. David became a much greater man because God allowed this trial into his life.
We all have to face times when our circumstances leave us broken and crushed. Like David, lean your entire faith upon the Lord and discover the lesson that God wants you to garner.
Have a prayerful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Deuteronomy 30-31