Broken Spirit

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

The above verses are from the end of the psalm by the Old Testament king David. The whole psalm is in response a prophet confronting David about his sin of adultery, and he's asking for forgiveness. Generally forgiveness in the Old Testament was through sacrificing an animal without blemish, but here David recognizes that God isn't interested in sacrifice. He's interested in David's heart. David's innermost spirit must be broken so that it can be cleansed and he can walk in righteousness.

When David's spirit breaks, he's in a very vulnerable place with the Lord. In fact, he recognizes that he doesn't have any hope besides the Lord - he has committed sin and should be punished with death. Sacrifice could pay the death penalty, but it wouldn't keep David from more sin. He needs God to change his spirit. This can't happen until his spirit is broken from its sinful desires and set free. And God wants to see David (as well as us) improve at living in righteousness because it's the best way to live.

When you sin, are you generally broken over it?

Brokenness is an invitation for Holy Spirit to work at changing the desires of our heart. Then, when our driving force changes, we are less likely to stumble again than if we legalistically battle the sin in the natural. God wants to mold us to be more and more like Him so we can live life to the fullest, but this often requires being broken down to remove that which isn't pleasing to Him. When you do get broken down, praise God because He is working to make you more righteous!

*Father God, break our spirits that we may be filled with your Spirit. Convict us for the ways we've tried to live outside of your will. Help us to enter your presence humbly, that our brokenness would be genuine so that the restoration we receive from you is lasting. Forgive us for foolishly trying to sacrifice or legalistically cover up, prevent or make up for our own sin. We need Jesus and Jesus alone. In His name, amen!

Blessings Daily Devotional - WB Journal