A Broken and Contrite Heart

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, Oh God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17

Often times, I believe that those God uses most to bring glory to Himself are those who are completely broken. When Jacob's natural hip was "wrenched", it was then that he received his blessing. When Moses struck the rock at Horeb, breaking it's surface, the cool water came out for the people to drink. It was not until Gideon's specially chosen soldiers broke the jars that were in their hands that the hidden light of the torches shone forth, and the enemy attacked each other with their swords.
It was once the poor widow broke the seal on her only remaining jar of oil, and began to pour it that God miraculously began to multiply it to pay her debts, and supply her means of support. It was not until Esther risked her life and broke through the strict laws of a heathen king's court that she obtained favor to rescue her people from death.
It was once Jesus took the five loaves and broke them that the bread was multiplied to feed the five thousand. It was when Mary broke her beautiful alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, destroying it's future usefulness and value, that the wonderful fragrance filled the house...and it was when Jesus allowed His precious body to be broken by thorns, nails and a spear, that His inner life was poured out for thirsty sinners to drink from.
It is not until a kernel of corn is buried and broken in the earth that it's inner heart sprouts, producing hundreds of other seeds or kernels..and so it has always been. God uses BROKEN things..
Those who have been gripped by the power of the Holy Spirit and are used for God's glory are those who have been broken..whether it be broken in their finances, broken in their self will, broken in their ambitions, broken in their lofty ideas, broken in their reputation, broken in their dreams, and often even broken in their health. Yes, friend..God uses the broken. If you are struggling today in an area of your life, You can find comfort in the fact that God will use the broken areas of your life to minister to others.. He is the only one who can turn our mourning into dancing. He is the only one who can change our ashes into something beautiful. He is the only one who gives us the oil of joy for mourning. There is nothing greater than the soft, sweet, gentle, restful, victorious, overflowing and triumphant life that flows like a spring morning from what was once a broken vessel.