Jun 06 – A Sacrifice Acceptable to God!

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

Generally, everyone seeks happiness and joy. People desire to remain cheerful, singing and rejoicing. But if the Lord is to grant us such blessed experiences, we must become people who pray with broken and contrite hearts.

When circumstances are favourable, we gladly praise God. But do we still praise Him when circumstances turn against us?

Habakkuk made this firm decision: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labour of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17,18)

It is difficult to praise God in times of loss and suffering. But those who believe that the Lord can turn evil into good will continue to praise Him. Those who know that “all things work together for good” to those who love God, will praise Him.

Prayer mixed with praise breaks the powers of darkness and brings the light and blessing of God. It strengthens faith and grants true peace.

Hannah was mocked by her rival because she had no child. For her life to be restored, she had to pray with a broken and anguished heart. The Lord heard her tearful prayer and blessed her with Samuel.

When you look to God with a broken and contrite heart, you will experience the hand of God’s grace embracing you. You will know the comforting touch of His love.

A person often learns deeper spiritual truths in times of testing and struggle than in ordinary situations. When he is pressed and broken, the pride of self within him is removed, and he begins to realize: “It is no longer I, but Christ.”

King David went through many afflictions, troubles, and battles. In the end, do you know what he said?

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71)

Verse for further meditation: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” (Romans 12:1)