"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart -
These, O God, You will not despise."
Psalm 51:17 NKJV
Look at your life for a few moments. Are you taking time to seek God's will for your life or are you "going it alone"? What breaks your heart? What breaks our Savior's heart? Do these things line up or are they far off the mark?
Taking time to examine ourselves is a quality in need of development in the North American (and maybe other) church. We are constantly reminded of grace - which I am so thankful for - yet there is more than grace at work. We serve the same God as Abraham, Moses, David, Deborah, Esther, Mary, Peter, and Paul served. The above Scripture reference comes from David's heart and reflects a brokenness that surrenders fully to the Lord we serve today.
Are you broken? If not, will you allow God to break you? He will not leave you broken but,
"The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit."
(Psalm 34:18 NKJV)
Jesus died on a cross to save all who are willing to accept Him as their Lord and Savior without prejudice. He loves everyone. His heart breaks for those who are caught in the vicious cycle of sin, whatever it is. No one is beyond help. Does your heart break at the sight of sin in the news, in your community, in your home - I mean break enough that you give it to the Lord to be in control? Or do you desire justice - dished out the way you feel it deserves?
What if we begin to pray through the news we see on the TV, computer, or hear on the radio? What if we begin to give all those things in our lives that are not pleasing to God and allow the Holy Spirit to direct our lives? What if our focus in the home started with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rather than self? I encourage you pray, seeking the Lord's will with all your heart and allow Him to break you, then to fill you with His Spirit to be hands and feet for Him, trusting everything to His direction. It may not be easy, but remember the eternal rewards are His to give. Those are not ones which will rot, rust, or be destroyed.
May you rest in Jesus,
Natalie
