THE REWARD OF BROKENNESS

“For thus says the high and exalted One Who
lives forever, whose name is Holy,
"I dwell on a high and holy place, And also
with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to
revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive
the heart of the contrite.”
Isaiah 57:15
New American Standard

In their usual cycle, the children of Israel had forsaken the righteous paths and turned to idolatry and their own ways. God in His love sent the prophet Isaiah to warn them of their sin and call them to repentance. They were rebellious, deceitful, consistently disregarded the warnings and chose to walk in their own way. Isaiah 57:11 says, “Why were you more afraid of them than of me? How is it that you don't even remember me or think about me?” The children of Israel had become so obstinate they began to fear man more than God! Not only that, God also told them, “You grew weary in your search, but you never gave up. You strengthened yourself and went on” in your idolatry and in your own way (v.10). Their lives were empty and void of true joy and peace yet they were determined to do it their own way. They failed to realize the futility of walking in their own way and the danger of forsaking God. He continually warned them that the reward for walking in their own way would not profit them at all and when they cried out in trouble they should look to their collection of idols to rescue and deliver them out of their troubles.
But God, in His love and mercy gave them the answer to their backsliding: humility and contrition. God wanted them to simply acknowledge their sin, humble themselves, be godly sorry and come to repentance. He promised he would reward their brokenness with a revival of their spirit and their heart. God promised to give new life and dwell with those who were truly penitent for sin. Their brokenness would result in them being strengthened, refreshed and having His presence.
Ultimately, living and walking in our own way is futile. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). But, if we turn to Him, he says, “I will give peace, real peace and I will heal” (v.19).
Are you walking in your ways? Are you living a broken life before God? Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.” Experience the reward of brokenness today by turning to God in humility and godly sorrow. Receive His new life and have your heart and soul revived by His presence.