BROKENNESS The Heart God Revives Nancy Leigh DeMoss Moody Press, 2002, 161 pp.

DeMoss is the host and teacher for Revive Our Hearts, an excellent radio program for women. This looks like a nice little hard-cover gift book but it packs a spiritual wallop for those who are listening. A thoughtful study of this little book could trigger a life transformation. Beginning with the revival at the 1995 Campus Crusade Staff Meeting and a story of a couple in conflict, DeMoss describes what happens when God breaks through our pride and brings brokenness and humility. Chapter 2 describes what brokenness is, a humble, contrite heart, being poor in spirit, a choice, “the shattering of my self-will,” “the stripping of self-reliance.” “It is saying ‘Yes, Lord!’—no resistance, no chaffing, no stubbornness—simply submitting myself to His direction and will in my life.” It is “roof off” before God and “walls down” before others. (55-7) The Bible records illustrations of people who were humbled before God. “The difference was not so much in the magnitude of their sin but in their response when confronted with their sin.” Some excused themselves and blamed others. Broken people don’t care who finds out and have nothing to protect or lose. (65-67) What characterizes brokenness? DeMoss asks us to prayerfully read through a series of contrasts between proud and broken people. For example, broken people are conscious of their own spiritual need and failures more than of others’. They reverence, encourage and lift up those in authority as opposed to criticizing. They think the best of others instead of being self-righteous. They have a dependent spirit rather than an independent, self-sufficient spirit. They are willing to yield their rights rather than demanding their rights. They are motivated to serve others before themselves. They are faithful, promote others, and eager for others to get the credit rather than being self-conscious and driven to be appreciated. And so on. Chapter 5 describes the blessings of brokenness. God draws near. New life is released. Love and fellowship are deeper. Usefulness to God is made possible. “Brokenness requires both God’s initiative and our response.” God may use the Scripture, circumstances, or the body of Christ to shatter our stubborn self-life. Our response is to get close enough to God to see ourselves in contrast to his holiness. Rather than wait for God to break us, it is much better to humble ourselves (I Pet 5:6) and acknowledge our spiritual need both to God and to others. And to do whatever we know God wants us to do. The author provides some concrete steps to respond to God’s initiative. Acknowledge your need to him. Discuss your need with another believer and ask for their prayers and help with accountability. Humble yourself and seek forgiveness from someone you have sinned against. And so on.