I had an appointment last week in the middle of an afternoon; however when I went to open my garage door, it moaned with an awful noise, opened about 2 inches and crashed back down. After several tries I knew it was useless. “Plan B” kicked in quickly and I walked. Later on, when the repair man came, it was obvious the main spring was broken in half and one cable severely frayed. There was power, but until the spring was fixed it was useless.

It’s when we realize we are broken and useless without Christ that we finally come to Him and know that without His power we can do nothing. God wants to heal and repair those broken hearts, but He also blesses those who come to Him in brokenness and a crushed spirit (a heart that is humbled). That’s a heart filled with gratefulness for what Jesus has done for them, and only wants to love and serve Him with all their heart and draws on His power that is readily available.

A song from at least 25 years ago, “Broken and Spilled Out,” (second verse and chorus) by Gloria and Bill Gaither paints a beautiful picture of this:

Lord, You were God’s precious treasure, His love and His own perfect Son, Sent here to show me the love of the Father, Just for love, it was done. And though You were perfect and holy, You gave up yourself willingly, You spared no expense for my pardon, You were used up and wasted for me.

Chorus: Broken and spilled out, Just for love of you, Jesus, My most precious treasure, Lavished on thee. Broken and spilled out And poured at your feet, In sweet abandon, Let me be spilled out, And used up for Thee.