Brokenness And Contriteness

-September 2, 2022-

Good morning happy Friday,

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

(Psalm 34:18).

David is the writer of Psalm 34, and it is one of the richest psalms for the people of God. We gain so much solace, comfort, and encouragement for our lives. The Lord knows and sees what we are going through. The Lord loves each believer, but is especially near to those who are hurting the most. He feels with our pain, for our Lord Jesus experienced pain while here on earth. Before He left this earthly scene, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to us as our Comforter.

David had his share of troubles and trials, sorrows, and afflictions. He always found help, deliverance, and comfort from the Lord. The word near is so reassuring to all of us. Our Lord wants us to draw near Him and bring our needs before Him. James wrote, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).

The two qualities that are essential for us are: brokenness and contriteness. Both are attitudes of the heart and help us to be right with God and please Him. Both reflect our seeing ourselves as God sees us. We are sinners saved by grace. Whether we are confessing our sins or seeking His help under extreme duress. He always wants us to come to Him and not try to make it on own.

• Broken hearts – We live in a broken world because of sin. To be broken before the Lord is to first acknowledge who He is in all His greatness and glory; and then to see ourselves in our weakness, insignificance, and nothingness. Compared to God we are even less than nothing. We need Him moment by moment. Our pride and self will must be crushed at the cross of Calvary.

It is interesting when David was confessing his sins of adultery and murder, he said in Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart —These, O God, You will not despise.” It shows that the words heart and spirit are often used interchangeably in the Scriptures. Brokenness and Contriteness go together, for you can’t have one without the other.

• Contrite spirits – To be contrite is to humble ourselves before God, seeking His will, and being obedient fully to Him. It says in James, “But He gives more grace, therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:6; James 4:10).

May the Lord help us to draw near to Him in both brokenness and contriteness. He can’t resist His people when we come humbly before Him. Have a blessed day in His presence. Stay safe and healthy.

Drawing near in His presence we see His essence,

Dean