Read: Psalm 51
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (v. 17)
In 2004, the country music group Rascal Flatts released a recording of “Bless the Broken Road,” a song that chronicled the songwriter’s intent to get it right, but also the reality that the path we choose can lead to brokenness.
All of us will experience brokenness on this side of heaven. Perhaps brokenness for you has been the result of a painful marriage that ended in divorce, a difficult parent/child relationship, neglect, rejection, depression, or struggles with pride, envy, or lust. King David experienced extreme brokenness in his relationship with God following his sin with Bathsheba and his attempt to cover it up, ultimately leading to Uriah’s death.
Brokenness is hard and heavy, and it can have a profound impact on what we believe about ourselves and others. However, beauty can come from our brokenness. In Psalm 51 David wholeheartedly acknowledged his sin and experienced reconciliation with God. When we repent and trust God with our brokenness, we too can be reconciled to him. Brokenness will be present in life, but our lives do not need to be bound by it. Just as Paul reminded the believers in Corinth, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17).
You may not see the beauty God can make of your brokenness yet, but he already does. Trust him, and his timing. —Joy Petroelje
As you pray, ask God to heal your brokenness and bring you comfort.
About the Author
Joy Petroelje is the director of a nonprofit human services organization. She and her husband Steve have three sons and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to family time and her work in nonprofit administration, Joy enjoys reading, writing, and running.
