During times of trials and difficulty we often forget—or we never even understand—the value of brokenness.
Yes, I just wrote the previous sentence. And I stand behind it.
Not many people would choose to be burdened with heartache or disappointment, but the way God uses suffering for good is rarely realized until after the trial has passed—often years later.
This doesn’t mean the loss from suffering doesn’t still hurt. It often does. And some pain—such as the loss of a loved one—never disappears completely. I’m not necessarily writing about this kind of brokenness. I’ve written about those types of losses in other posts—although God works in those times for good also.
I’m talking in this post about brokenness from things like the loss of a job, personal failure the breakup of a significant relationship—the kind of brokenness where we often played a part or someone else made decisions or choices which hurt us deeply. The kind we try to run from, forget or hide from other people. The kind of which we might be embarrassed and people pray for us more than we list them as a “prayer request” at church.
Upon reflection, we can see how God worked even through these darkest days of life.
I was reflecting recently on some of my own times of brokenness.
I discovered seven values to brokenness:
Brokenness keeps one humble. Humility is highly honored by God and is an attractive quality to others. We would never ask for humility. There are no steps to rid our life of pride. Humble people have been humbled.
It teaches valuable life principles. Honestly, I have learned more from the hard times in my life than from the good. Again, these are not lessons we seek on our own but gain through experience—even and perhaps especially the hard experiences of life.
It brings repentance. I often forget how much I need forgiveness. Brokenness, especially when caused by my own actions, reminds me I am hopeless apart from His grace.
It encourages a fresh start. Starting over is not always as bad as it seems. It could even be a blessing we may not have sought on our own, but looking back we are so glad it came.
It invites God’s grace. Brokenness brings me to my knees. As sin increases, grace increases all the more. I long more for God’s favor and His protection. It’s never a bad thing when my heart longs heavenward.
It illustrates humanity. Brokenness reminds me frail people share the commonality of life struggles. We are in this together—all in need of God’s mercy and grace. We live in a fallen world. The only hope is Jesus.
It welcomes the heart of God. Psalm 34:18 says, “God is close to the broken-hearted.” I’m so thankful for this truth!
Has your story been shaped by brokenness?
Allow the molding energies of God’s hand to craft His masterpiece in you as you yield to His ultimate plan for your life.
There is value in brokennes.
