Several years ago, I was introduced to a new rendition of the song “Just As I Am.” It was entitled “Just As I Am (I Come Broken).” Within the additional lyrics in this newer rendition, there are words with which I connect every time I hear them. “I come broken to be mended. I come wounded to be healed. I come desperate to be rescued. I come empty to be filled. I come guilty to be pardoned by the blood of Christ the Lamb and I’m welcomed with open arms. Praise God. Just as I am.”
Most people have felt broken at one time or another. This is especially true when a person honestly evaluates his life and sees what sin has done to his relationship with God. Thankfully, the Word of God tells us exactly where we can go and to Whom we can turn for help – for all of the pain and brokenness we sometimes feel because of things in this life and due to our sins.
Before the foundations of the world, and before sin and pain even entered the world, God had a plan to send His Son to redeem mankind (1 Peter 1:19-21). He knew that all men would sin and deserve death (separation forever from God, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Yet, God had a plan that offers salvation and eternal life to all who would obey (Romans 3:23; 6:23). We all have the opportunity to be cleansed of our sins (1 Peter 3:21) and to live a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). We have that opportunity because of Christ, for Jesus is truly the only way to salvation and the only way for any of us to reach the Father (John 14:6).
We all need to come before God with the same attitude and desire that David had to be cleansed and to be made whole (Psalm 51). We need to humbly submit ourselves to God, knowing that He truly cares for us all (1 Peter 5:7). No matter the pain or burden we bear, we can be assured our God is always there. We need to remember that He loves us so much that He sent us His Son (John 3:16). Because of the love of Christ, Jesus died on the cross for the sins of mankind and rose up from the grave, giving us an opportunity to rise up in Him (Romans 5:8; 6:4). If we ever feel broken because of the things in this life or because of sin, let us always remember to turn to God.
