Day 2: Brokenness

Psalm 51:17 (NIV) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

We often think of broken items as useless and not worth anything, and we may even regard broken people the same way. But God has a different perspective. He receives us in our brokenness and accepts our contrite hearts as a pleasing sacrifice.

Fasting not only helps us break free from strongholds of our fleshly appetites, it also brings us to points of brokenness and humility in our hearts. As we fast, the Holy Spirit can break us of independence and pride and show us our sinfulness in the light of God’s holiness. This leads to a broken spirit that is pliable and responsive to the Lord.

Scripture says that God is “close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). He binds us up, heals our wounds and sets us on a pathway of restoration as we allow Him to work. Through fasting and prayer we can see brokenness turn to blessing as we offer ourselves completely to God.

Prayer: Father, allow our hearts to be broken with the things that break Your heart. As we fast we also confess our sinfulness and selfishness to You. We recognize that we are broken and needy before You. Thank you for receiving the simple sacrifice of our contrite hearts. Restore us and have Your way in us that we might honor You in every way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.