There is Healing in Brokenness
When a person is said to be “going through it”, it is perceived that he or she is experiencing spiritual and emotional brokenness. This acknowledgement is tied to something that has that person spinning a bit. That winding around will sometimes cause an individual to surrender, after some sort of failure. That collapse leads them to make choices that indicate they are not in control, as they originally thought they were. Those themes of humility, repentance, and divine restoration, are used to help us to see clearly of our need for GOD and His Wisdom of how to navigate our way through life’s entirety. Unfortunately, we are a stubborn creation and don’t often think we need any help. We always know what is best for our lives. GOD has zero to say about it. Sadly enough, those who say they love GOD’s Son, makes these same arrogant and ignorant declarations.
There are two words that sums up this mental state of mind and emotions, when we are said to be “broken”. This is not the same word the movie writers use when they are referring to a prisoner who would be obstinate, but you are certainly obliged to come to the conclusion that these two words are the parents of this pattern of thought.
Since I enjoy the Eastern approach (pictures, sounds and culture of the nomadic and Semite people), I often use their imagery. …especially, since the Bible originates from that same culture.
The Western culture (Greek thinking) uses words and intents to assert verbal dominance to always have an answer and to constantly have the final word. You see this in many areas, even more so, when Paul is speaking on Mars Hill in the Scriptures. Do you recall his reference to the “Unknown GOD” space the Greek philosophers and their friends had labeled there?
One of the primary distinctions between Eastern (original language of the Scriptures) and Western communication (the transliterated language of the New Testament ).
In Eastern cultures, such as those found in East Asia, communication is often indirect and relies heavily on context, nonverbal cues, and implicit meanings. The avoidance of confrontation and preservation of harmony are valued, leading to more subtle and indirect expressions.
On the other hand, Western communication tends to be more direct, explicit, and focused on individual expression, with an emphasis on clarity and concise messages.
When an individual is experiencing brokenness, the word Shabar is used. At its base it means “to break,” “shatter,” or “crush.” It plays throughout the Bible to describe physical destruction, emotional collapse, and spiritual contrition.
The phrase “a broken heart,” carries the awareness of (our) deep sorrow, repentance, and vulnerability before GOD. This is a literal usage that is conveyed through the words Lev Nishbar.
Some of us require some terrible, uncomfortable, sin’s response or irrational stuff to arrive at our home address before we decide to surrender our will to the LORD. This is seen of the king, David, in Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O ADONAI, You will not despise”.
When the major transformation begins to take place in a person, it is initiated from the inside. When I experienced my initial encounter with GOD’s tool of brokenness, it showed up as humility. I had to become fully submissive before Him. The self-maintained attitude had to go. I was hurting, not feeble.
In the Scripturally Eastern perspective, brokenness is not weakness, it’s the fertile ground for renovation. It reflects a heart that recognizes its limitations and turns toward GOD for healing and renewal.
Yours and my repentance and restoration begin with repentance and personal offering to the Holy One of Israel. The Biblical figures like David, Job, and the prodigal son embody the brokenness that led them to repentance and godly renewal.
Reader, are you able to see how their stories show that emotional and spiritual collapse often precedes deeper faith and renewed purpose?
Maybe this is your story.
Maybe this is where you are.
It is the place I have experienced many times in my journey (walk) with GOD’s Son.
There are Scriptures like Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” and Isaiah 61:1 “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted…” emphasize that GOD draws near to those in emotional and spiritual pain. This pain causes humility to show up.
Humility is a catalyst for growth and maturation. Through the Spirit’s teaching course of becoming humble, some of us believe they were made more aware and kinder toward others who are also hurting. It opened my eyes to the ones around me, and not so much only my own plight.
I’ve tried to explain the wide, yet narrow scope of brokenness (humility) as a state of being incomplete, physically damaged, or emotionally or spiritually shattered. I hope that I conveyed that this ‘state’ can lead a person to a deep awareness of their own flaws and a reliance on GOD’s Spirit as He leads the individual towards Spiritually medicinal change.
The need for spiritual humility is needed.
REMINDER: Brokenness involves a deep awareness of one's sinfulness, inadequacy, and dependence on GOD for Hope, Salvation and healing. It is us being truly repentant and humble before Him.
Despite the negative connotation of brokenness, it can be a doorway to profound growth and a deeper, more authentic relationship with GOD’s Son. If you are REAL about your situation and need, the LORD’s Spirit of Truth can lead you down the path to a new beginning.
I’ve been led down that road many times over the years. It has been worth every tear drop and flood.