Brokenness

Brokenness

MY QUESTION for GOD

What does brokenness look like?

A MOMENT with GOD

David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.”

2 Samuel 12:13

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.

Psalm 51:1-4

David was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba as well as the murder of her husband, Uriah. It doesn’t get much worse than that. When the prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin, we get a picture of what brokenness should accomplish (see 2 Samuel 12). David didn’t run from God. He didn’t make excuses for his failure. He didn’t give in to despair. Instead, he acknowledged God’s justice and his own need for forgiveness. Then he cast himself on God’s mercy. David recorded his heartfelt confession in Psalm 51. It is through brokenness that you are best able to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

Luke 22:60-62

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

John 21:15

After Peter denied Jesus, his spirit was broken. But when Jesus appeared to him after his resurrection, he restored Peter. He gave Peter the opportunity to unsay his denial by reaffirming his love. This speaks volumes to us about offering those who are broken another opportunity to start over again, to wipe their slate clean. If we come alongside those who are broken by failure, we can open the way for a divine moment when God restores and heals them.

DIVINE PROMISE

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17