Things continued to spiral downward as a discussion between a leader of a Christian organization and a volunteer stretched on. When frustration consumed both parties, one of them ended the conversation with, “Well, maybe this isn’t the job the Lord has for you.”
The other’s facial expression indicated how deep the arrow had struck.
Is that where we’re at? Instead of humbly working at a solution, we blame God or the person He’s provided for the job.
Long story short, thank God the aforementioned situation was eventually rectified. But here’s what God’s word says: “...a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Ps. 51:17b)
The original word for contrite, conterere, means to grind, crumble, or bruise. When we offer an apology without a change of heart (repentance), our words sour within us. The healing that should come from contrition and humility instead produces more bruising.
If we think of church as Christ’s hospital, are we promoting or thwarting His healing? Do we allow guilt and pride to block our ability to humble ourselves? Ouch! Yep, that includes me.
When confronted by the prophet Samuel, King David’s immediate response was contrition. He didn’t balk, hem and haw, or make excuses. No doubt David’s sin with Bathsheba ate away at him. His severed relationship with the Lord, something he’d never before experienced, tormented him. He wanted freedom from his shame and guilt.
Shouldn’t we want that too? If we answer yes, how do we receive forgiveness?
The words David penned in Psalm 51:10 have been a model for repentance for Jews and Christians alike. Hear his heart as he cries out to God for cleansing, for God to move in His unfailing love and compassion, and for God to grant his desire: Create in me a clean heart, oh God.
If we’re honest, we have reason to humbly cry to the Lord in repentance as David did. For our country. For our leaders. For our families. For ourselves.
And our Heavenly Father, who is faithful and just, will hear and restore our lands (2 Chron.7:14).
Hi Erma. I recently finished a book with the most amazing phrase that the character uses. She asks God to be sure her "Jesus filter" is in place. I love that and have been doing my best to apply it lately. (The book, by the way. is Biz Rises to the Challenge by Barb Haley). Thanks for sharing these words of sound advice.
Hi Erma, thank you for sharing these wise words. Having a contrite heart is always vital, yet as Christians, we struggle with this. Humbleness is hard. But with prayer and staying in God's word and looking at David's example, we can be guided and encouraged along the way.