"My sacrifice, Oh God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17

God desires more than sacrifices. He desires a humble heart that looks to him when troubles crush and penitently pleads for mercy when sin is committed. These rise as sweet smelling fragrances to Him. The sorrow that we have for our sins is mingled with our appreciation for God's mercy and grace in providing our redemption. This is the sweet smelling aroma that rises to His throne. A broken spirit is one that has been freed from self and because of the healing power of God's love becomes wholly His. A broken and contrite heart is a heart that knows it has sinned and has sought forgiveness of God. This spirit is one that is so overwhelmed by the Father's love that thanksgiving and praise are on its lips day and night for all that has been done in its life. Brokenness is never a bad thing. It is a blessing from above, a process by which He draws us to Himself and rid us of self. We need to bless Him for his work in our lives, no matter how painful. When we do, we will know true joy.

Father, we so often sin. Forgive us for these sins and cleanse us through the blood of Your son. Thank You placing brokenness in my life. Thank You for helping me to see my sins that put distance between You and me. Free me from my pride and humble me that I might learn from the breaking and in so doing be drawn closer to You. This I ask in Jesus' name. Amen