Sacrifices
Today’s Scripture Selection: Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Does God want you to be heartbroken?
Not in the way you might first think.
Jesus, for example, speaks about coming so that we might live life to the fullest extent possible – and find the deepest joy possible in the process.
There are all sorts of examples in the Scriptures of how, in aligning ourselves with God’s will, we can find peace and joy and purpose.
But, there is also quite a bit said about a little thing called free-will. And there is plenty of tension in all the stories of how people have “fallen short” of the glory of God – and God’s purpose for them.
So, what’s all this about broken spirits and contrite hearts – especially in relation to sacrifices that God will not despise?
I think it has to do with humility.
It’s a key ingredient to being willing to recognize God’s abundant blessings; God’s righteous character; God’s loving desire for us to follow in obedience; and God’s desire for us to lovingly sacrifice our individual wills to Him.
Sacrifice is never easy to make – that’s why it’s called sacrifice.
But it is the way to find God in a very special way.
And, if you find it difficult to do at times, just remember all God has already lovingly sacrificed for you – on the cross.
Prayer: Lord, may I be a living sacrifice to you, in grateful praise. AMEN.
