The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These things, O God, You will not despise. Psalm. 51: 17
A broken spirit and a contrite heart God will not despise. What did David mean by this?
When King David recognized the enormity of his sin with Bathsheba and his attempted cover-up that ended with her husband’s death, he cried out to God in deep repentance. Psalm 51 records his heartfelt prayers and what he had learned about how God wants to be approached. But what did he really mean? Why does God value such sacrifices?
It pleases God when we humble ourselves before him; when we fear Him, honour and obey Him. From reading Isaiah 57:15, we can see that God highly values those who are contrite. What does contrite mean? According to Google, it means “feeling or expressing remorse at the recognition that one has done wrong.”
When we sin against God, it honours Him when we humble ourselves, acknowledge our sins, and repent of them. He wants us to have a humble spirit, and the willingness to change. He wants us to walk away from the path that only leads to death. He wants us to recognize our brokenness and cry out for Him, and in our brokenness, He will meet us—He always does!
A broken spirit and a contrite heart God will not despise. He values these things. Hearts that are hardened He will surely refuse. Hearts that are stony and lifted up before He will refuse. God wants us to be teachable and humble. God desires hearts that are changed. In Deuteronomy 5:29 He says, “Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!”
Friends, may we all get on our knees and cry out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). This is the only way change will come: by asking God to change your inner being.
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.
Amoy is intent on fulfilling God’s will and purpose for her life. She is a celebrity publicist, a proud Jamaican, a writer, an international speaker, a media practitioner and a published author. She loves all things luxury and is on a mission to become one of the wealthiest women from her island and in the world. 40 under 40, is that you?