Being broken is a theme often discussed in the Bible, and it refers to moments of deep personal or spiritual struggle. Whether it’s emotional pain, spiritual failure, or physical hardship, brokenness is part of the human experience. However, in the Bible, brokenness is not viewed as something to be ashamed of, but rather a pathway to healing, restoration, and a deeper relationship with God. Many verses offer comfort, guidance, and reassurance that God can work through our brokenness to bring us closer to Him.
This article explores 20 Bible verses about being broken, shedding light on how God uses our brokenness for His purposes and provides healing and restoration.
20 Bible Verses About Being Broken
1. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
This verse provides great comfort, reminding us that when we are brokenhearted, God is not distant or indifferent. He draws near to those who are hurting, offering salvation and healing to the broken in spirit.
2. Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
In this prophetic scripture, Isaiah speaks of God’s mission to heal the brokenhearted, a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He came to restore, bind up, and release those who are spiritually broken or imprisoned by sin.
3. Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
King David writes in Psalm 51 about repentance and the importance of a broken spirit before God. God values a humble heart that acknowledges its brokenness and seeks His forgiveness, as opposed to outward sacrifices or rituals.
4. Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, speaks to those who recognize their spiritual poverty and brokenness. The poor in spirit are those who humble themselves before God, acknowledging their need for His grace and mercy. This attitude leads to true blessings.
5. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Paul writes about his personal struggles and how God’s grace met him in his weakness. In our brokenness, God’s power is displayed most clearly. When we are weak, He is strong.
6. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
This verse beautifully illustrates God’s tender care for the brokenhearted. Not only does He heal, but He also carefully binds up our wounds, providing a sense of security and peace in the midst of pain.
7. Lamentations 3:19-20
“Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall. My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me.”
The book of Lamentations expresses the sorrow and brokenness experienced by God’s people. These verses show the depth of the anguish felt, but they also prepare the reader for the eventual hope and restoration God promises.
8. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus offers rest and relief for those who are weary and burdened. In our brokenness, Jesus invites us to surrender our struggles to Him and find rest in His gentle care.
9. Psalm 23:3
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
David’s declaration in Psalm 23 speaks to God’s restorative power. When we are broken, God not only comforts us but also leads us back to a place of peace and righteousness, helping us heal and move forward.
10. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
This verse refers to Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice for our sins. His brokenness on the cross brings healing and restoration to us. Jesus endured great pain and suffering so that we might be healed spiritually and emotionally.
11. Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Even in times of brokenness, this verse assures us that God works everything out for our good. Our pain and struggles are not in vain, as God uses them to fulfill His purpose in our lives.
12. 2 Samuel 12:13-14
“David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.'”
In this account, after David’s sin with Bathsheba, he acknowledges his brokenness and sin before God. The healing that comes after acknowledging sin is an important aspect of spiritual restoration.
13. Isaiah 57:15
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the 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.'”
God is near to those who are broken and contrite in spirit. This verse highlights the closeness God has to those who are humble and repentant, offering revival and spiritual renewal.
14. James 4:6
“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
Brokenness leads to humility, and God promises to give grace to the humble. When we are broken and admit our need for Him, God’s grace pours over us abundantly.
15. Jeremiah 29:11
“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.”
Even when we feel broken, this verse reminds us that God has good plans for us. His plans are filled with hope, and He will restore us, guiding us into a future filled with peace and purpose.
16. Psalm 34:19
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
Brokenness is part of the human condition, even for the righteous. Yet, God promises to deliver us from our afflictions. This verse is a reminder that, though we face trials, God will bring us through them.
17. Romans 5:3-5
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
While we may experience brokenness and suffering, God uses these experiences to build our character and strengthen our hope. Through these trials, God pours His love into us, creating endurance and hope.
18. Psalm 42:11
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”
This verse expresses a deep emotional and spiritual struggle but ends with a declaration of hope in God. Brokenness is not the end; with God, there is always a future hope and restoration.
19. Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.”
Jesus, quoting Isaiah, speaks of His mission to heal the broken and oppressed. His coming was to offer freedom and healing to those who are broken in spirit, bringing wholeness and liberty.
20. 2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
We, as fragile human beings, are like jars of clay, easily broken. However, the treasure inside us—God’s grace, love, and power—shines through our brokenness, showing that all glory belongs to God.
Conclusion
Being broken is an inevitable part of life, and the Bible acknowledges that brokenness is a deeply painful experience. However, the Bible also teaches us that brokenness is not the end. Through God’s grace, healing, and restoration, our brokenness can be transformed into a source of strength, hope, and renewal. Whether we are grieving, dealing with sin, or enduring hardships, God is near to the brokenhearted and promises to restore us. In our brokenness, we encounter God’s love, and we can trust that He will use our struggles for His glory and our good.
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