The Gift of a Broken and Contrite Heart
Scripture
Psalm 51:16–17 (NLT) “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
Devotion
David had done the unthinkable—adultery, deception, and the arranged death of Uriah. When confronted, he didn’t argue, explain, or blame. He broke.
He understood something we often forget: God is not impressed by religious performance, rituals, or outward “fixing.” If David could have “paid God off” with enough offerings, he would have done it. But he knew God was after something deeper—a broken and contrite heart.
Brokenness in God’s kingdom isn’t self-hatred or despair. It’s truthfulness. It’s the end of pretending. It’s when we agree with God about our sin, our weakness, and our utter need of Him. A broken heart is not God’s problem with you; it’s God’s doorway to you.
The sermon urged us to remain in this broken mindset—not as victims, but as people who refuse to believe we are ever “done needing grace.”
Reflection
1. Is there any area where you’ve been trying to “pay God back” instead of simply bringing Him a broken, honest heart?
2. What does a “broken and repentant heart” look like for you today—concretely, not just in words?
3. Are there sins, attitudes, or patterns you’ve explained away instead of truly confessing?
Prayer
Lord,
I lay down my pride, my excuses, and my image management. I bring You what You desire most: a broken and repentant heart. Where I have been hard, soften me. Where I have minimized my sin, confront me. Thank You that You will not reject a broken heart that comes to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Psalm 51:16–17 (NLT) “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
Devotion
David had done the unthinkable—adultery, deception, and the arranged death of Uriah. When confronted, he didn’t argue, explain, or blame. He broke.
He understood something we often forget: God is not impressed by religious performance, rituals, or outward “fixing.” If David could have “paid God off” with enough offerings, he would have done it. But he knew God was after something deeper—a broken and contrite heart.
Brokenness in God’s kingdom isn’t self-hatred or despair. It’s truthfulness. It’s the end of pretending. It’s when we agree with God about our sin, our weakness, and our utter need of Him. A broken heart is not God’s problem with you; it’s God’s doorway to you.
The sermon urged us to remain in this broken mindset—not as victims, but as people who refuse to believe we are ever “done needing grace.”
Reflection
1. Is there any area where you’ve been trying to “pay God back” instead of simply bringing Him a broken, honest heart?
2. What does a “broken and repentant heart” look like for you today—concretely, not just in words?
3. Are there sins, attitudes, or patterns you’ve explained away instead of truly confessing?
Prayer
Lord,
I lay down my pride, my excuses, and my image management. I bring You what You desire most: a broken and repentant heart. Where I have been hard, soften me. Where I have minimized my sin, confront me. Thank You that You will not reject a broken heart that comes to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.