Preaching on Contrite in Heart: God's Word to You

Contrite in Heart: God's Word to You

Let us delve into the profound concept of a contrite heart, a state of being deeply cherished by our God. It is a heart broken and repentant before Him, a heart that opens the door to His presence and favor.

1. What Does It Mean to Have a Contrite Heart?

A contrite heart signifies genuine repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. This leads to restoration and divine favor. God promises to draw near to those who humble themselves before Him.

2. God Is Near to the Broken:

Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God’s presence is not reserved for the strong and self-sufficient, but for those who recognize their need for Him. The brokenness that brings us to God is a pathway to life, while pride leads us astray. Consider the examples of David and Hezekiah, who found God's nearness in their brokenness.

3. The True Sacrifice Acceptable to God:

Psalm 51:17 declares, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” In the context of David’s repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, we understand that God desires more than mere rituals. He seeks a sincere and repentant heart. How can we offer a broken heart to God today? By acknowledging our sins, surrendering our pride, and seeking His forgiveness.

4. God Dwells with the Humble and Contrite:

Isaiah 57:15 says, “For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” The vastness of God’s majesty is juxtaposed with His intimate nearness to the humble. He does not reject the broken, but restores them. Think of how God exalted Daniel, who humbled himself before Him.

5. God Looks at Those Who Humble Themselves Before Him:

Isaiah 66:2 proclaims, “For my hand made all those things, and they all came into being, declares the Lord. But to this one will I look: the poor and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at my word.” God seeks those who recognize their dependence on Him. Humility and reverence before His Word are keys to experiencing His presence. He promises to reveal Himself to the brokenhearted.

6. God is Merciful to Those Who Turn to Him:

Joel 2:13 urges, “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents from punishing.” True repentance comes from the heart, not outward displays. God’s merciful character is evident in His response to the Ninevites, who turned to Him in repentance.

7. The Spirit of Repentance God Will Pour Out:

Zechariah 12:10 promises, “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.” God promises to pour out the Spirit of grace and supplication. The recognition of Christ as the Messiah leads to mourning over sin. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

8. Godly Sorrow Produces Life:

2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow: “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” True repentance results in transformation. Consider the contrasting examples of Peter and Judas: Peter’s godly sorrow led to restoration, while Judas’s worldly sorrow led to destruction.

Preaching on Contrite in Heart: God's Word to You

Let us cultivate contrite hearts, recognizing our need for God’s mercy and grace. May we humble ourselves before Him, knowing that He draws near to the brokenhearted and restores the contrite in spirit. Amen.