Devotional: A Broken Spirit

9 December 2019

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:16–17

Through his own personal agony, David has come to a new understanding of what it is that God really requires from man. First, God is not interested in externals—represented here by “offerings” and“ sacrifices.” This does not necessarily mean that God never requires any external observances of religion. Many other passages of Scripture indicate that at times He does. But it means that these are not the things He requires firsta nd foremost. If our religion contains nothing more than such external observances, then God takes no pleasure int hem.

Always, God looks below the externals. He looks to the motives and to the attitude of the heart. What does He look for there? “A broken spirit,” David tells us, “a broken and contrite heart.” These are strange words to our ears these days. What does it mean that God desires a broken spirit? Does He want to beat us down and humiliate us? No, I am sure that is not His purpose. What, then, is a broken spirit?

I believe it is a spirit that has come totally to the end of itself. It makes no claims, offers no arguments. All independence, all self-will, all self-righteousness have been purged out. Such a spirit turns simply and solely to God, trusting not in its own merits, but only in God’s infinite and unmerited mercy. If we will permit Him, God knows how to produce this brokeness of spirit in each of us. He treats each of us as individuals. He never violates our personality. He uses only the precise degree of pressure needed to achieve Hise nd. “For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men” (Lamentations 3:33).

Faith’s Response

Lord, do whatever is needed in my heart and life so that I can offer You sacrifices that please You.

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Comments

Maria

Maria

A timely word for me in the midst of changes and uncertainties. I have no answers to life's problem; but God does.

8 May 202013:23

Broken Spirit

Broken Spirit

I hope that in the midst of the challenges that we are going through, may God create that willingness in our hearts to obey His words. Jesus already paid the price for everyone for us to receive every healing, prosperity, goodness in this land. Let's all believe that we will receive His promise. Let's continually ask for His guidance, wisdom and providence in our lives. It's possible that we are just "thinking" about our dreams and wants, but not totally "believing". Let's trust on God's process. Let's lean on His promises. The more it looks like we are so far on the life we wanted, all the more it is nearer. I hope everyone is well during the pandemic. God loves us!

1 May 20208:10

HE

HE

It's been 5 years now struggling to make ends meet. Even today hoping to have a little joy of a blessing today even that was snuffed out. I do understand how Jonah felt when the plant that provided shelter over his head, God created a worm to eat it. Yes I am angry, I am frustrated, Yes I have given up hoping ... I have faith no more. How much more does He want from me? Yes my spirit is broken; I have plunged to the abyss. Even my joy in Him has been taken away. I know there will be some who will try to encourage me; but please don't. I know this is the process of Gold being refined through fire. Before some glib comments ... I pray Father bless Your people. Father grant them peace. Grant them joy. Grant them favor that they can hold on for another day. As for me Father ... Your will be done.

26 February 20208:58

Jackie

Jackie

I have been struggling with my relationship with the Lord for so long and now I'm experiencing health challenges I'm longing for a breakthrough in my walk with the Lord my heart for the Lord has not change I still believe He is who He say He is and what his word say about Him

18 February 202020:57

Anita L

Anita L

I struggle with believing in Gods promises of salvation of loved ones. Right now I struggle with hearing His voice. I want to be closer but I don’t know how. God bless you all out there struggling too.

10 February 202013:01

Odeh Osasere

Odeh Osasere

I am encountering this now but i still believe in God to survive me

9 March 201919:20

Douglas R Fink

Douglas R Fink

I am going through such an experience as best I can tell. It has been most challenging & I Trust The Lord has a plan for me and my wife Jane.

19 January 201922:01

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