Embracing Brokenness: A Journey to Blessing

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of being "Broken and Blessed," drawing from Psalm 34. This scripture reminds us that the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cries. It is a powerful testament to God's unwavering presence and deliverance, even amidst our afflictions. As we reflect on Black History Month, we are reminded of the resilience and strength of our ancestors who, despite being broken by the horrors of slavery, remained steadfast in their faith and emerged blessed. Their stories of survival and triumph are a testament to the enduring spirit that flows through us today.

The narrative of David, a man after God's own heart, serves as a poignant example of this theme. Despite his victories and favor with God, David found himself broken and on the run from King Saul. Yet, even in his darkest moments, David chose to praise God, illustrating that our brokenness does not negate our blessedness. It is in these moments of vulnerability that we often find ourselves closest to God, as He draws near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

Our brokenness is not a sign of God's abandonment but rather an opportunity for His presence to manifest in our lives. It is through these trials that we are refined and prepared for the blessings and elevation that God has in store for us. As we navigate our own afflictions, we are encouraged to hold onto our faith, knowing that God hears our cries and will deliver us from all our troubles.

In this season, let us embrace our brokenness as a pathway to wholeness, trusting that God is working all things together for our good. As we continue to celebrate our heritage and the legacy of those who came before us, may we be inspired to tell our own stories of resilience and faith, knowing that we are both broken and blessed.

Key Takeaways:

1. God's Presence in Brokenness: Our brokenness is not a sign of God's absence but an invitation for His presence. When we are broken, God draws near to us, offering comfort and healing. This closeness allows us to experience His love and grace in profound ways, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. [01:08:36]

2. Resilience of Our Ancestors: The resilience of our ancestors, who endured unimaginable hardships, is a testament to the strength and faith that flows through us today. Their stories of survival and triumph inspire us to persevere through our own trials, knowing that we are part of a legacy of resilience and hope. [52:24]

3. David's Example of Praise: Despite being broken and on the run, David chose to praise God, demonstrating that our circumstances do not define our ability to worship. In moments of despair, we can find strength and hope by lifting our voices in praise, trusting that God is working in our lives. [01:00:23]

4. Afflictions and Deliverance: The righteous may face many afflictions, but God promises deliverance. This assurance encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God hears our cries and will rescue us from our troubles. Our trials are not the end of our story but a part of our journey toward greater blessings. [01:06:05]

5. Pathway to Wholeness: Our brokenness can lead us to a deeper understanding of God's purpose for our lives. As we embrace our vulnerabilities, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love, moving from brokenness to wholeness and experiencing the fullness of His blessings. [01:29:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [47:15] - Joy in the House of the Lord
- [48:04] - Scripture Reading: Psalm 34
- [50:16] - Broken and Blessed
- [52:24] - Resilience of Our Ancestors
- [53:58] - David's Trials and Faith
- [01:00:23] - Praise in Brokenness
- [01:02:24] - God's Eyes on the Righteous
- [01:06:05] - Deliverance from Afflictions
- [01:08:36] - Nearness to the Brokenhearted
- [01:13:17] - Purpose in Brokenness
- [01:15:53] - Brokenness as a Sign of God's Presence
- [01:19:38] - Celebrating Firsts and Breaking Barriers
- [01:28:38] - Invitation to Wholeness
- [01:33:27] - Prayer for Restoration and Wholeness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Broken and Blessed"

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 34:15-22

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Psalm 34, what is the Lord's response to the cries of the righteous? How does this reflect in the sermon? [48:04]

2. How does the sermon describe the resilience of our ancestors during the horrors of slavery, and what role did faith play in their survival? [52:24]

3. What actions did David take when he was broken and on the run from King Saul, as mentioned in the sermon? [53:58]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept that brokenness is not a sign of God's abandonment but rather an opportunity for His presence? [01:15:53]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that brokenness can lead to a deeper relationship with God? How does this align with Psalm 34:18? [01:08:36]

2. How does the example of David's praise in the midst of his trials challenge our understanding of worship during difficult times? [01:00:23]

3. The sermon highlights the resilience of our ancestors. How does this historical perspective influence our understanding of faith and perseverance today? [52:24]

4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between afflictions and deliverance, and how does this relate to the promises found in Psalm 34? [01:06:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt broken. How did you experience God's presence during that period, and what did you learn from it? [01:08:36]

2. David praised God even when he was broken. How can you incorporate praise into your life during challenging times? What practical steps can you take to make this a habit? [01:00:23]

3. The sermon speaks of the resilience of our ancestors. How can their stories inspire you to persevere through your own trials? What specific actions can you take to honor their legacy? [52:24]

4. How can you embrace your brokenness as a pathway to wholeness, trusting that God is working all things together for your good? What specific area of your life needs this perspective? [01:29:54]

5. The sermon suggests that our trials are not the end of our story but part of our journey toward greater blessings. How can you shift your mindset to see your current challenges as opportunities for growth and blessing? [01:06:05]

6. In what ways can you share your own stories of resilience and faith with others, as encouraged by the sermon? How might this impact your community or family? [01:28:38]

7. Consider the role of community in supporting one another through brokenness. How can you be a source of support and encouragement to someone in your life who is currently experiencing a difficult time? [01:39:37]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Nearness in Our Brokenness
In moments of brokenness, it is easy to feel abandoned and alone. However, these are the times when God draws closest to us, offering His comfort and healing. Our struggles are not a sign of His absence but an invitation to experience His profound love and grace. When we are broken, we are more open to His presence, allowing us to feel His support and guidance in ways we might not otherwise. This closeness is a reminder that we are never alone in our struggles, and God's eyes are always upon us, ready to listen to our cries. [01:08:36]

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them." (Psalm 145:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel most broken right now? How can you invite God into that space to experience His comfort and healing today?


Day 2: Legacy of Resilience
The resilience of our ancestors, who endured unimaginable hardships, is a testament to the strength and faith that flows through us today. Their stories of survival and triumph inspire us to persevere through our own trials, knowing that we are part of a legacy of resilience and hope. As we reflect on their journey, we are reminded that our struggles are not in vain and that we have the strength to overcome them. This legacy encourages us to hold onto our faith and continue to fight for justice and equality, just as our ancestors did. [52:24]

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you draw strength from the resilience of your ancestors to face your current challenges? What specific action can you take today to honor their legacy?


Day 3: Praise Amidst Trials
David's life exemplifies the power of praise even in the midst of trials. Despite being broken and on the run, David chose to praise God, demonstrating that our circumstances do not define our ability to worship. In moments of despair, we can find strength and hope by lifting our voices in praise, trusting that God is working in our lives. This act of worship not only uplifts our spirits but also invites God's presence into our situation, transforming our perspective and renewing our faith. [01:00:23]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing where you can choose to praise God? How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?


Day 4: Assurance of Deliverance
The righteous may face many afflictions, but God promises deliverance. This assurance encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God hears our cries and will rescue us from our troubles. Our trials are not the end of our story but a part of our journey toward greater blessings. As we navigate our own afflictions, we are reminded that God's deliverance is always near, and He is working all things together for our good. [01:06:05]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's deliverance? How can you actively seek His guidance and support in this area today?


Day 5: Embracing Brokenness for Wholeness
Our brokenness can lead us to a deeper understanding of God's purpose for our lives. As we embrace our vulnerabilities, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love, moving from brokenness to wholeness and experiencing the fullness of His blessings. This journey requires us to trust in God's plan and to believe that He is working all things together for our good. By embracing our brokenness, we allow God to refine us and prepare us for the blessings and elevation He has in store for us. [01:29:54]

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (1 Peter 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace your brokenness as a pathway to wholeness? What steps can you take today to allow God's transformative love to work in your life?

Quotes

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them out of them all. He keeps all his bones. None of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants. None of those who take refuge in him will be condemned." [00:48:28] (29 seconds)


"As we begin to celebrate another black history month I believe it is more imperative now than ever before that we celebrate this month with vigor and joy and allow those and not allow those who have tried to steal and kill and erase our history to let them know that we are people who are resilient and resolute that no matter what we face we will make it through the trials and tribulations that come our way." [00:50:32] (34 seconds)


"David says, the Lord is near the brokenhearted and he saves those who are crushed in spirit. Can you imagine how crushed David must have been? I'm all by myself and I didn't do anything to anybody, but I came to talk to somebody that might be honest with themselves this morning to be able to say, I'm broken." [01:08:36] (41 seconds)


"And pastor, I'm sick of being sick. But God has broken me for a reason. Because of the brokenness on my life. I know that God is with the brokenhearted. Don't miss what David said. David said, the Lord. Is near those who are broken. So the more he breaks me, the closer he gets to me. The more he breaks me, the closer I am to him." [01:09:48] (36 seconds)


"That in this season, that your brokenness is not a sign of God's abandonment. It's a sign of God's presence. It's a sign of God's presence. It doesn't make sense. But I hear God saying, I need you in this season to understand that the reason why you're going through what you're going through is because you said, I heard you testify, God said, that this was going to be the blessed year of your life." [01:17:46] (38 seconds)


"The reason why what you've been through ain't killed you is because God's hand is still on you. You're still here because God's hand is still on you. because some of us should be dead because we done did some stuff that should have killed us we done said some stuff that should have killed us we done smoked some stuff that should have killed us oh that ain't you you done drank some stuff that should have killed you." [01:19:38] (48 seconds)


"That, God, let somebody know that you not left them. You have not forsaken them. You have not given up on them. That they may be alive. They may be alone, but they are not lonely because you are with them. That, God, that you are with them every step of the way. That, God, you are with them. And that, God, you hear them when they cry to you. You see them in the valley of the shadow of death. You see them at their lowest moments. You see them in the midnight hour." [01:41:39] (29 seconds)


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Transcript
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