The Christian Life with Colline: What it Means to Have a Broken and Contrite Heart

By: Colline Goulbourne, Evangelizing Servant of God

Introduction

In Isaiah 66:2, the Lord turns His gaze toward the humble and penitent, inviting us to stand before Him not in pride but with hearts laid bare. As we consider what it means to be “poor and of a contrite spirit,” we discover that true strength and divine favor flow to those who tremble at His Word and cling to His mercy.

Isaiah 66:2 states:

“To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”

Here God declares His preference for those who embrace humility, nurture genuine repentance, and respond to His Word with deep reverence.

Key aspects of a “broken and contrite heart” in Isaiah’s context:

• Humble and Poor in Spirit
  • “Poor and of a contrite spirit” conveys an honest awareness of our own insufficiency and a reliance on God’s grace.
• Contrition and Repentance
  • A contrite heart mourns sin and longs for restoration in the presence of the Holy One.
• Trembling at God’s Word
  • To “tremble at my word” is to bow in awe before God’s authority, allowing Scripture to penetrate and transform us.
• God’s Favor and Attention
  • When God says He will “look” on the contrite, He promises both His pleasure and His attentive care.

Supporting Scriptures

Psalm 51:17 states:

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

Psalm 34:18 states:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Isaiah 57:15 states:

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up… I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Conclusion

A broken and contrite heart is neither weakness nor defeat but the very soil in which God’s mercy and grace take root. May we cultivate that humble spirit, tremble at His Word, and live under His compassionate gaze.

Related Christian meditation: Humility

For more resources and encouragement, visit the Revealing the Christian Life Ministry website.

Be blessed!

Meditate on God’s Word

Many Christians struggle daily to live according to God’s word. But we need daily nourishment. That is why it is important to read your bible daily; even if it is a few verses and meditate on them.

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Today’s word is brought to you by Colline Goulebourne, evangelizing servant of God. She is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, who lives in Jamaica. She shares testimonies, chases after backsliders, wins souls for Christ, and is always faithful to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Editor:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, editor, and passionate servant of the living God. Her journey with Christ began at a tender age when she wholeheartedly accepted Jesus as her Savior.

As the founding minister of Revealing the Christian Life Ministry, Denise endeavors to serve others and share the transformative power of God’s Word. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she engages in community outreach and extends a helping hand to those in need. Her dedication to Christian mentorship empowers others to grow in their faith and discover their unique purpose in Christ.