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BROKENNESS-HOW IT IS BORN

Psalm 34:18, 19

The word "broken" in the authorized version is the English translation of the Hebrew work "shaw-bar" which means "to burst, break up in pieces, crush or tear."

The word "contrite" is the English translation of the Hebrew word "dak-kaw" which means "to crumble, bruise, humble or smite."

Life's most difficult and delicate task is to be broken without being bitter.

The Bible teaches that no one is born with a contrite or humble spirit. Some come to possess the contrite spirit quicker than others. Some spend a whole lifetime and never come to possess a contrite spirit.

There is a process which leads to the contrite spirit. The process which leads to the contrite spirit is the breaking process.

That is why the broken heart and the contrite spirit are, by parallel grammatical construction, virtually equated in our text, Psalm 34:8. It is significant to note that the very same words appear in Psalm 51:17 with the adjectives and nouns interchanged. The "broken heart" of Psalm 34:18 is the "contrite heart" of Psalm 51:17. The "contrite spirit" of 34:18 is the "broken spirit" of 51:17. We must conclude, then, that the terms "broken heart" and "contrite spirit" are virtually synonymous.

There is a very simple reason for this. A broken heart is the necessary preparation for a humble, contrite spirit. The contrite spirit has had the back of self or "flesh' afflicted (Psalm 34:19a) or broken. The contrite spirit sorrows regarding self and self's sins.

Psalm 119:67, 71, 75

Thomas Watson said, "The vessels of mercy are first seasoned with affliction, and then the wine of glory is poured in. Thus we see afflictions are not prejudicial, but beneficial, to the saints."

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted."

In October of 1981 while going through an emotionally painful and trying experience I was prompted to write the following lines:
A burden's a blessing
If it makes me like Jesus
A broken heart's a gift of God
If it makes me like Him.
And shadows are clouds of love
If I'm under His wings.
And tears-a new beginning-
Like a blossom in spring.

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