Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
[You, Lord, know the heart of each person; you see when we are wounded and overwhelmed. And you are there, actively working in us.
We are by nature so stubborn and independent, rebellious and stiff-necked, so we refuse to come to you, thinking we have the answers. Surrender often comes only when we are crushed and broken by circumstances (often of our own making) and our inability to cope. It is then that we see our true state of total weakness, of dependence on you—and maybe see our sinfulness and rebellion.
This is what you did in bringing me to initial surrender, leading me into a corner where I was powerless to escape–and I praise you for it, for with that dark experience you ushered me into the Kingdom of Light.
Lord, do bring whatever breaking is needed so that we may surrender more deeply to you and thereby be a more useful instrument in your gracious, powerful hands. I thank you for what we are going through with Barbara’s illness right now and for how you will use it for good. You are trustable, you are good and you are wise, so we can rest in your love.]
