Contrite Spirit

Post date: Nov 1, 2010 1:19:11 PM

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psa 34:18).

"Contrite” means “crushed in spirit by a feeling of remorse or guilt.” the Hebrew word here translated “contrite” means “crushed to powder.” When God convicts a man of his sinfulness that man is just crushed. He sees how vile he is and he knows that he deserves the full wrath of God to fall upon him. He is miserable and fears that sudden destruction will fall upon him. He fears that there is no hope for him.

Do you feel this way? Has God shown you your awful condition?

If so, there is blessed hope for you! There is no hope for the one who is self-satisfied and complacent. But if God has broken your heart it is sure that He will bring real healing to you. Look to Him for mercy. Flee to the cross in repentance. David understood that “... a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psa 51:17).