Broken
Today’s Verse:
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. ~Psalm 51:17
When I was about 8 years old, I was throwing a rubber baseball around my house. I threw the baseball too hard, and it hit a porcelain picture, causing it to fall off the mantle, and breaking a side of it. Needless to say, I became frantic about my recklessness. I quickly got some glue and reattached the broken piece. From a distance, you could not tell it had been broken. However, up close you could. Eventually, I had to confess to my parents what I did to make it right. Even though they forgave me, the picture frame would never be the same after it had been broken. David makes a profound statement about a broken spirit and heart. This morning, let us consider the impact of being broken.
We see the ESSENTIAL of brokenness.
Brokenness is when there is a heartfelt contriteness and repentance about sin in our life. It is when we are filled with a sorrowful remorse that we sinned against God, broke fellowship with Him, injured our testimony, and are grossly defiled. Brokenness demonstrates humility and a desire to make things right. It is a spirit that feels the weight and heaviness of sin. Brokenness is the first step in humility. It is such a penitent heart towards our wrong-doing that we do not want to do anything else until we have made it right with God. Brokenness is essential in having fellowship with God restored. It is a vital necessity in getting back a good conscience.
We see the EFFECTS of brokenness.
When we are broken, God accepts us back into fellowship. It is an acceptable sacrifice before God. It is putting everything on the table and allowing God to change us. God never turns away or despises a broken and contrite spirit. Like the picture frame I broke, there will be marks and scars from brokenness. We will determine not to go back down that pathway of sin. We will bear in our hearts a tender sensitivity and reminder of the wrong we committed. Brokenness is the means to revival. Where there is brokenness, there is transparency and truth. Where there is brokenness, there is renewal. Joy is renewed! Peace is restored!
We see the EFFORT from brokenness.
When we are broken, there is a desire to do the first things. Our prayer life is given utmost priority. We make praise and thanksgiving a continuous part of our fellowship with God, and not something incidental. Our desire to have a godly testimony and to impact people with the gospel pulsates within us. “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”
Brokenness is painful! Brokenness leaves us with scars! Brokenness awakens us! However, brokenness is the pathway to sweet fellowship with God, power for service, and protection from a hardened heart.
Are you broken? Is there something God needs to break inside of us to help us have His fullness, forgiveness, and freedom? Remember, a broken and contrite heart He will not despise!
Have a tender-hearted God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 5-6