The Opposite of Brokenness

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. —James 4:8

I believe one of the reasons many believers are afraid of the idea of brokenness is that they have misconceptions about what brokenness really means. As is true in so many other areas, our idea of brokenness and God’s idea of brokenness are usually quite different.

Some people think of brokenness as always being sad or gloomy. They assume it means having a downcast countenance. They imagine that broken people never smile or laugh. In reality, brokenness brings a release, which produces a deep sense of joy and peace.

Others think of brokenness as being morbidly introspective: “Oh, woe is me! I’ve confessed every sin I can possibly think of, but surely there must be something I’ve missed. Oh, what a worm I am!” This kind of “confession” can lead to false humility, wherein people are quick to put themselves down and cannot receive genuine affirmation or encouragement. False humility and morbid introspection are, in fact, the opposite of brokenness, as they reveal a preoccupation with self rather than Christ.