"Brokenness" is in Style, But It Doesn't Have to Be

Everyone has times in their lives when they feel broken. It’s actually positive to be broken before a Holy God and to cry out to Him. We need Him for salvation and for strength every day. In times of sorrow and need, we feel broken. That’s normal, and it’s even good.

But, today, brokenness seems to have become a fad.

“I am broken. Feel for me.”

“I am broken, therefore I’m more spiritual.”

“I am broken all the time.”

Many people truly are broken. Too many have suffered abuse. Some have physical difficulties—even chronic illnesses they deal with every single day. Others have been through unspeakable traumas: war, emotional or physical abuse, substance addictions, overwhelming debt, etc. They need help and nurturing to get back on their feet.

Everyone needs the cure for spiritual brokenness. Jesus said, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17b). Jesus came that we might have eternal life. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10b). I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness (John 12:46).

Jesus doesn’t want us to remain broken, lost, and in darkness. He wants to give us eternal life. More than that, He wants us to live a full, abundant, productive, joyful, and fruitful life.

It is a biblical concept to “die every day.” The Apostle Paul said, I die daily. It’s interesting that the rest of the verse is totally different: I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). What’s he talking about? He’s talking about “dying” to sin, surrendering his will to God’s on a daily basis. Consider what Paul wrote in Romans: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11). Yes, we all need to die to sin, and we also need to be alive unto God.

The above passage about dying daily ends like this: O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:55-58).

Yes, we’re broken. Yes, we’re actually more spiritual if we die to sin (and put away any pride about it! God hates pride.) But, Christians don’t need to stay “broken” all the time.

We need Jesus. We need Him to fix us daily. We need to depend fully on Him, so that we can live in victory.

Thankfully, total, joyful victory is available through Jesus!

Jesus said, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

He completely understands your problems. Seeing then that we have a great high priest . . . Jesus the Son of God . . . . For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (from Hebrews 4:14-16).

How can we live each day “fixed” instead of broken? I’ve found these verses to be invaluable: Be careful (“full of care,” or “anxious”) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:6-8).

Notice a formula in those verses:

1. Put away anxiety. How?
2. Pray asking God for help. At the same time, thank God for whatever He will do.
3. After prayer, God gives awesome peace which ministers to both heart and mind.
4. Change your thinking. Focus on things that are: true, honest, fair, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy.

The Lord Jesus is in the business of healing brokenness. He invites us. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Are you broken? Go to Jesus.

Thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.