What a title, you may be saying. My Father God is still dealing with me on the subject of brokenness and repentance. I truly thank Him for it, although I would be lying if I said that this is a fun filled process. It is indeed a process. I thank God for the “sack cloth and ashes” of true repentance. It just makes us stronger and more in tune with the Heart beat of God!
In the Old Testament days, sack cloth and ashes were used as signs of mourning. The tearing of the clothing was a sign of mourning as well. The people would use this custom when praying for deliverance, safety and protection, and when they were into SIN and wanted to repent! Now notice that this sackcloth was a very rough fiber used to make storage sacks. It was what is known today as burlap. I am sure that the rough fiber of the fabric against the skin was very uncomfortable. The ashes came from burnt wood and was “dust”, thus symbolizing grief. We don’t hold such customs, however, we are still to tear our hearts and mourn and grieve because of sin in our lives and also the lives of others. We are to ask God to break our hearts for what breaks His heart! This is indeed a process my friend. The bible lets us know that God is near unto those who have a contrite heart and a broken spirit! (psalms 51:17)
Alright, let us bring this thing on home. So you have a messed up! You feel terrible and you have asked for forgiveness. Maybe there is “beef” so to speak between you and another person and the more you try to walk in peace the worst it gets. Whatever you are in mourning about, just know that you are not to stay there! God wants the brokenness but He also wants us to rise from the ashes, pull something valuable out of the experience, and keep it moving! It is a good thing to go through brokenness but it is also good to come out knowing that there is no condemnation for those who are truly “in Christ Jesus”. I am not saying that we embrace a sinful lifestyle and not take it seriously. We are to take it very seriously and we should care about our character over our gifts. Our Godly character takes us places our gift will never be able to take us. Live your life in a balanced fashion. Agree with God in His presence when you know that you have sinned. Don’t hide like Adam and Eve did, don’t pass the buck like they did, but for God’s sake, do not let the enemy place a spirit of condemnation upon you where you give in to depression and deceit. Realizing that we are naked and bare before the eyes of the Lord and yet His love is unfailing, should give us comfort and boldness to enter into His presence and when the heat of brokenness is upon us, hold on to His Hand. The ride may be a little bumpy but Holy Spirit has got this! He may convict you, but He will also convince you of righteousness as well
Let me dance prophetically over you right NOW! Enjoy a brief clip of a prophetic dance ministered at a Pastor’s Appreciation on 5/26/13
Love you with the love of Jesus! Have a blessed weekend!