The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise (Psalm 51:17 NASB).
When I am misunderstood with friends who do not understand and I remember that “neither did His brethren believe in Him” (John 7:5) and I bow my head to obey and accept the misunderstanding — this is brokenness.
When I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, and I remember that Jesus was falsely accused, but He “held His peace” (Matthew 26:63); and I bow my head to accept the accusation without trying to justify myself — this is brokenness.
When another is preferred before me and I am deliberately passed over, and I remember that those around Jesus cried, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas” (Luke 23:18) and I bow my head to accept the rejection — this is brokenness.
When my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins by the ambitions of others, and I remember that Jesus allowed others to lead “Him away to crucify Him” (Matthew 27:31) and He accepted that place of failure, and I bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness — this is brokenness.
When in order to be right with my God it is necessary to take the humbling path of confession and restitution, and I remember that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation” and “he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross” (Philippians 2:7, 8) and I bow my head and am ready to accept the shame of exposure — this is brokenness.
When one acts towards me in an unforgivable way, and I remember that when He was crucified, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) and I bow my head and accept any behavior toward me as permitted by my loving Father — this is brokenness.
When people expect the impossible of me and more than time or human strength can give, and I remember that Jesus said, “This is My body which is given for you” (Luke 22:19) and I bow my head and repent of my self-indulgence and lack of self-giving for others — this is brokenness.