Psalm 51:17 (KJV)
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Reflection
Psalm 51 was written from a place of deep repentance. David had sinned, and he knew that outward religious actions could never replace a heart that was truly sorry before God.
David says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” God was not looking for David to simply go through the motions of religion. He wanted David’s heart.
A broken and contrite heart is a heart that recognizes sin for what it is. It does not make excuses. It does not blame someone else. It does not try to hide from God. It comes before Him honestly and says, “Lord, I have sinned. Forgive me.”
There is a tremendous promise in the final words of this verse: “O God, thou wilt not despise.”
God does not turn away the person who comes to Him with genuine repentance.
Sometimes pride keeps us from admitting when we are wrong. We may try to defend ourselves, explain our actions, or compare ourselves with someone who appears worse than we are. But repentance begins when we stop looking at everyone else and allow God to deal with our own heart.
David could not undo what he had done, but he could humble himself before God.
And so can we.
God is not impressed by religious appearance without a surrendered heart. We can attend church, read our Bible, pray, teach, preach, and do many good things while still allowing something wrong to remain within us.
God wants more than outward religion.
He wants our heart.
Maybe there is something today that you need to bring before Him. Maybe it is an attitude, bitterness, pride, anger, jealousy, an unforgiving spirit, or a sin that no one else knows about.
Do not hide it.
Bring it to God.
A broken heart over sin is not something God pushes away. It is exactly the kind of heart He receives.
The question for each of us today is simple:
When God shows me something wrong in my life, will I defend myself, or will I humble myself before Him?
Prayer
Father, search my heart today and show me anything that is not pleasing to You. Help me not to make excuses for my sin or hide what You already see. Give me a humble and repentant heart. Thank You for Your mercy and for the promise that You will not despise a broken and contrite heart. Help me walk closely with You and live in a way that brings honor to Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Junior Tate Ministries
juniortateministries.com
greatcommissiontoday.com
