3 minute read
the beauty of brokenness
B Y A N N D A V I S
This statement “the beauty of brokenness’ may seem very contradictory at first glance. Whenever the term “brokenness” is used images of destruction, a mess, garbage, and such may instantly flash across your mind. And as you continue to ponder, thoughts of regret, uselessness, despair, irreparability, worthlessness; and this list can go on and on.
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If we stop and take a deeper look, we will find not contradiction, but cohesion and truth. In Japan there is an art form called Kintsugi, where they put broken pottery pieces back together with gold. The Japanese metaphorically view this as embracing one’s flaws and imperfections. They believe it symbolizes healing and resilience; where the broken object moves upward from being cared for, to a place of honor; whilst assuming its past, it paradoxically becomes more resilient, beautiful, and precious than before the shock.
Proverbs 4:23 states,
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (AMP). This scripture highlights the importance of your heart. Your heart in this verse represents your emotions, will and the mind of your heart, (yes, your heart has a mind of its own). The author is imploring us to fortify, protect, defend, maintain, preserve this area carefully, persistently, strictly, and thoroughly, because it governs our lives. Our choices, our character, our children, our future are all influenced by this place. Yet despite all our valiant efforts to execute this instruction, none of us can truthfully say that we have totally secured our hearts from being broken.
Life can deal us some painful and unexpected blows. Jesus warned us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have tribulation. And in Matthew 18:7 He says that “ … offences must come… ” and these can take many forms. The sudden death of a spouse, parent, or child.
Divorce, separation, rape, incest, job loss, unfinished education. What about terminal illness, barrenness, depression, strained relationships, COVID _ 19 and all that it brings. All these and more leave us very broken, feeling worthless, and having diminishing hope of ever being repaired or restored.
The Potter with His gold has arrived, and Jeremiah 18:1-6 takes us to the Potter's House; it is there that the “marred vessel” in the Potters’ Hand is made into another. This Potter is drawn to the vessel by the beauty of its brokenness. Psalm 34:18, tells us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit” and again in Psalm 147:3 which states, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” . That is what the Potter wants to do to you if you let Him.
Just as Kintsugi is considered metaphorically as embracing one’s flaws and imperfections; truthful confession of your heart’s condition to God does the same thing.
Psalm 145:18 (English Standard Version) says that “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” . This truth cleanses and allows the Potter to apply His ‘golden’ grace to our broken pieces as He puts us back together again even better than before…like another.
This is a painstakingly delicate and uncomfortable procedure, so patience is vital. Be patient with yourself, be patient with the process, and be patient with the Potter. You must trust Him and His ability to complete the work He started, because He most certainly will! His expertise is unrivaled, and He leaves nothing undone. When the process is completed, you will be healed, resilient, more beautiful, more valuable and moved to a place of honor. You will have a new perspective and be able to clearly see the Beauty of Brokenness.
Prayers That Heal The Heart
Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to embrace the faults and broken areas of me life. Forgive me for the times where I acted with great unthankfulness and complained. Today I pray for a renewed mind to allow You as the Potter to have Your way in my life and re-make me in your way and your style.
AMEN!
TIME TO SEE THE BEAUTY IN THE BROKENESS
