God’s Proximity to Broken and Contrite Hearts

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, September 14, 2022
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalms 34:18 (NKJV)

When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God. Sin alienated our first parents from God. To shield them from shame, embarrassment, and instant death, God made for them garments from animal skin. He also drove them from the Garden of Eden.

Since then, Adam’s offspring hide from God when they rebel. For example, owing to the weight of guilt and stigma from other believers, some backsliding Christians never step back into the church.

A Broken and Contrite Heart

God, though, would have us understand that He hates sin and not the sinner. King David is a perfect example of this principle. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife. To cover up for his sin, David had Uriah killed.

In Psalms 51, the king confessed his sin and repented, saying, “For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” (Verse 3). The penitent sinner adds, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and a contrite heart. These, O God, You will not despise.” (Verse 17).

God is Near to Broken and Contrite Hearts

Instead of running away from God, David asked for God’s forgiveness and acceptance. The monarch knew if he stayed away from God, Satan would take advantage and lead him deeper into sin.

David yielded to the convicting influence of the Holy Spirit. God, the Spirit, reveals to the soul the enormity of sin. We realize how transgression separates us from God and fellow human beings. We grieve when we realize that our sins caused the death of Jesus on the cross.

Allow the Holy Spirit to Break Your Heart

While God detests sin, He “is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalms 34:18). God is happy when we reject sin and enlist His help in living righteously.

If you are struggling with sin, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and to lead you to genuine repentance. Ask for help to forsake sin and obey God unreservedly. Only then will you always have God near you.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, break my sinful heart, lead it to repentance, and make it Your dwelling place.