There comes a time in all of our lives when we feel somehow "broken". Whether it by by illness, accident or birth we all will face the truth about ourselves - I'm broken. It may be temporary or it may be permanent. We don't always have control over these things and it leaves us feeling - well, feeling many things which can range from fear to hopelessness to depression.
If there is any compassion in us we also break when we see someone who has come to this difficult realization in their life because we know their struggle. We know their pain. And, if we know the love of God for us, we also know the battle that is being fought within their spirit. We know they are either striving to live perfect lives or they are striving to cover up the fact their life is less than perfect - something a bit like attempting to juggle elephants.
How do you explain to someone in this position that no one is perfect? How do you explain to someone God's love for the imperfect? God loves to take the broken things in our lives and mend them. Yet, sometimes He uses us exactly the way we are and gives us the grace to function as if we are whole. This is one of His mysteries.
As I was pondering broken things I was reminded of how God thinks of us a vessels. He wants us to be vessels into which He can pour Himself. His desired result being He flow out through us. Some of us must be filled up to the top before He "overflows" our lives, but, with those of us who are broken He flows out through the "cracks" of our lives - and that much more quickly! Don't misunderstand. It's good to be filled up to overflowing with all that is of God. But how much greater to have God flowing out through the cracks of our lives spilling His love out to others who are also broken. We are not meant to be islands in this world but rivers, streams and oceans of His love pouring out to others who are also broken. Broken is NOT a bad thing.
If we will admit it to ourselves we don't actually have control over our lives - we try - but we don't. Oh, we do have the ability to make choices but so does everyone else and there lies the problem. We can control our choices but not those of others. At some point all these choices being made will collide and lives will be forever changed. There is only one choice we can make for ourselves that will change our own life - forever. Choose the solution God has provided for our broken lives - Jesus.
Previously I mentioned God's mysteries. He loves mysteries. Jesus is one of those mysteries. But God has given us the key to that mystery and how it will heal broken lives. In Psalm 31 King David, who has come to understand this mystery of God, pours out his heart to God when he feels "like a broken vessel". If David - a king, a great man - knows he is not perfect and his only source of help and strength is God alone - so can we. If a king, who has every resource at his command, can be broken yet find strength and comfort in God, so can we.
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
