Broken For Service

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalms 51:17

There are two types of brokenness in the Bible. One is the result of being hurt and mistreated. The other is when we do something wrong and aren’t just sorry we got caught, but genuinely regret grieving God. That kind of brokenness softens our hearts, removes rebellion, and clothes us with humility. Ever seen a cowboy try to tame a wild horse? The first time he jumps on, the horse has a fit – it bucks and kicks until he’s thrown off. But gradually, as the horse is broken, it becomes gentle, a joy to ride. We’re the same. When we first come to God, our flesh is wild and out of control, so He puts His ‘spiritual reins’ on us. He harnesses our energies into doing His will and not our own. Now, instead of living by our impulses, we follow the leading of His Spirit. Listen: ‘No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it’ (Hebrews 12:11). Hey, hang in there, you’re being ‘trained!’ If you’re struggling with God’s correction today, exchange your struggle for a snuggle. That’s right – snuggle up into His arms and say, ‘Father, I ask You to break me and make me the person You created me to be. Help me to accept Your discipline and begin making the changes You require, for I long to please You in all that I do. Amen’