The master artist

Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)

To grant to those who mourn in Zion—

    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Have you ever looked at a stain glass window? What do you see? Probably a beautiful picture.

As you look at it you see shattered pieces of glass that have been sanded and polished. The pieces put together by an artist  in such a way that you see a beautiful picture. As we look at it we are reminded of our master artist God.

Life is full of brokenness. Hearts, dreams, promises, limbs, and hopes all get broken, often leaving us feeling shattered, diminished and depressed. When such lives however, are placed in the hands of their maker, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were made; for without him nothing was made that has been made, they are refashioned by His love. Shattered lives in Christ become prizes of beauty, gladness and praise; a glorious display of His splendor amidst a shattered and broken world.

Dear Lord, God how we praise You for Your restorative power in our shattered lives. Give us encouragement, hope and strength today. In the name of Jesus,  Amen.