Brokenness...a gift from God

Pride seemed to have been my thought process this morning as I walked. I prayed. "Lord, help me with pride." I know I have it. Show me the places in my life where it is." It seemed almost instantly that the Lord started speaking to my heart about brokenness. I started thinking about all those broken places throughout my life. Disappointments in my childhood, divorce and raising children as a single parent, raising grandchildren, disappointments in my job, plans that never evolved, dreams that didn't come true; fear, guilt, shame, disapproval, rejection. It was at these places that I met Jesus. It was here where He showed me how much He loved me. He gave me His approval. It was right here that I learned to trust Him. This is the place where I discovered who He really was...therefore, I can take no credit. He deserves it all. Started thinking about how that has always been God's plan from the foundation of the world. Jesus came into this world in a state of brokenness and He left this world in the same fashion. It was totally contrary to the worlds view of how a king should set up His kingdom. And it is still contrary even today. The war between flesh and spirit continues. My flesh wants praise, recognition, to look good and feel good. God says the total opposite. I will not despise those with a broken and contrite heart. It is very clear.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17  

 These are the ones I look on with favor; those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. Isaiah 66:2

God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are. I Corinthians 1:28

So grateful...
sammie jean