Once I only saw broken pieces lying on the ground;
Shattered, torn, nothing of “value” could be found.
But You saw my heart, humbled and distraught;
Lifting me up, to me comfort and peace You brought.
Only You know what beauty can come from a shattered life;
Giving purpose, meaning, and peace after all the constant strife.
Grant us your grace, and “eyes” to see Your truth and love,
May we walk in Your ways, and in the will of our Father above.
* * * * * *
It isn’t with glibness or cliché that I pen these words. Brokenness is never a circumstance that should be handled casually. Although we will experience different types of challenges, and different degrees of “brokenness”, it is nonetheless an important moment or crossroad for the one experiencing it.
Our independent, “pull yourself together” culture does not often allow us a perspective that easily accepts this situation. But, the liberating truth is that this is exactly the way God can best take us and mold us into the “beauty” He desires in us. He is the “Potter” and we are the “clay” (Isaiah 64:8). Sometimes it is consequence of our own sin that brings us to this place; and sometimes it is people or circumstances that are difficult (with no fault of our own) that bring us to this point. Humility before our God, a repentant heart, and an earnest desire and prayer to let Him take and make your life into what He knows is best, is the first step. As an old, favorite song goes, “Have Your own way, Lord; Have your own way. Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me, after Your will, while I am waiting; yielded and still.” (Youtube: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”—Traditional Hymns)
It is so creative how an artist can take pieces of broken glass and make a beautiful mosaic, “stained glass” work of art. Truly, it is an example of broken pieces being turned into beauty. In the picture used for this entry, I was delighted to find a butterfly! The butterfly often is a symbol of “new life”. In nature it is the outcome of a true metamorphosis. Let us all, who need a touch of this beauty, draw near to our Master Creator, the One who created all beauty. (James 4:8a) He can make all things new! ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Dear Lord, Help us to come to You in our brokenness, with a humble and repentant heart.
Create in us the beauty You alone can make, so that we are new in You! In Your name we pray!