One of those topics or teachings I heard back in the days was "Brokenness". We sang it in our songs but I rarely hear such again yet we need to hear it again. What is biblical brokenness?
To understand this properly, let us look at it from the literal standpoint. When an object is broken in the physical, it is damaged and loses value. No one wants to buy broken or cracked ceramics. No one buys a broken pencil or ornament.
In the spiritual, there is something that must be broken in us which will make God accept us. That thing is self. It must be broken completely before our lives become pleasing to God. In the physical, broken objects are rejected but in the spiritual, the man whose self is broken is the one accepted by God. Brokenness and contrition goes together.
“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
A broken man will realize his need for God and not rely on self. What follows true brokenness is repentance. We wonder why there is no genuine repentance today. It is because some who claimed to have given their lives to Christ are not broken. They have not experienced that thing that makes sin distasteful.
Where are the days when men will hear the gospel and the power of God will cut their hearts to the point where they'll willingly make amends and sort themselves with God? Today some chew gum on their way in response to an altar call and say the sinners prayer as a tradition, no brokenness no contrition. They responded to the altar call probably because someone told them the only way to be rich is to surrender to Christ. Wrong gospel.
In David's broken state, he prayed thus, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). The moment a man is broken, his heart begins to yearn for more of God and his ways because the barrier( self) is broken.
There are some things in our lives that need to be broken: pride, self-will, stubbornness, and sinful habits. God says, “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit"(Isaiah 57:15).
Believers of old never cease to pray, "God, break me and use me for your glory". They know there is something standing on their way that must be demolished. Our generation despised that prayer yet we have not surpassed the exploits of those who prayed that prayer. I once read a man who says if he were God, when people pray to be broken, he will literally break them into pieces. He lacks understanding.
God is looking for broken vessels. Men he can pour his power and glory into unhindered by self. I love Kathryn Khulman's story as regards this. She often said, "I knew when I died"(paraphrase). It was at that point God poured herself into her mightily. Most people don't know that the exploits recorded about Kathryn Khulman happened in the last ten years of her life. God can pour himself into us If we are broken and contrite.
Let us pray that prayer of old timers.
