Go! And Look for the Beauty in the Brokenness of This World
Introduction
Today, we will explore a profound truth: Go! and look for the beauty in the brokenness of this world.
The world is filled with both splendour and suffering, beauty and brokenness. It can be challenging to see God’s hand at work in the chaos, but as believers, we are called to recognise His grace and redemption even amidst pain.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) reminds us: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Let’s dive into three key truths that help us see beauty in brokenness:
God’s presence is near in brokenness.
Redemption shines through brokenness.
We are called to reflect His beauty in a broken world.
1. God’s Presence is Near in Brokenness
Psalm 34:18 (NLT) assures us: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
The Hebrew word for "close" (??????, qarov) denotes intimacy and nearness. God’s presence is not distant in our pain; instead, He draws near to comfort and restore.
Isaiah 61:1 (NLT): “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”
Jesus Himself fulfilled this prophecy (Luke 4:18), highlighting that God’s mission is rooted in reaching the broken and restoring hope.
Think of a potter working with clay. When the clay collapses, the potter doesn’t discard it. Instead, he patiently remoulds it into a masterpiece. God does the same with us in our brokenness.
Are you brokenhearted today? Know that God’s presence is near. Pray and invite Him into your pain, trusting Him to begin His work of restoration.
Ann Voskamp writes, “God wastes nothing. He is the Potter who makes beauty out of broken things.”
2. Redemption Shines Through Brokenness
God’s redemptive power is most evident in the places of greatest brokenness. Genesis 50:20 (NLT) reveals Joseph’s perspective on his suffering: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”
Joseph’s story is one of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, yet God used his trials to bring salvation to a nation. The Hebrew word for “intended” (??????, chashab) signifies a purposeful plan. What was meant for harm, God reworked for His divine purpose.
Romans 5:3-4 (NLT): “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”
Our trials are not meaningless; they are part of God’s greater plan to shape us and reveal His glory.
Consider a stained-glass window. When viewed up close, it may seem like a collection of broken shards. But step back, and the pieces form a beautiful picture. God’s redemption is like that—bringing beauty out of broken pieces.
Reflect on the trials you’ve faced. How has God used them for good? Share your testimony with someone who needs encouragement today.
Timothy Keller reminds us, “Suffering can refine us rather than destroy us because God himself walks with us in the fire.”
3. We Are Called to Reflect His Beauty in a Broken World
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light and beauty. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) says: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
The Greek word for "light" (f??, phos) represents illumination and truth. As light-bearers, we reveal God’s love and grace to a world in darkness.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT): “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”
Though we are frail, God’s power works through us to display His glory.
Imagine a cracked jar with light streaming through its gaps. The cracks don’t diminish the light; they allow it to shine more brightly. Our brokenness is the platform for God’s beauty to be displayed.
How can you be a light in your community? Volunteer, encourage, and share Christ’s love with those around you. Let His beauty shine through your life.
John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, even in our trials.”
Conclusion: Call to Action
God calls us to go into the world and see His beauty in the midst of brokenness. Psalm 147:3 (NLT) reminds us: “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”
Today, let us:
Trust in God’s presence in our pain.
Believe in His redemptive power.
Reflect His beauty in our lives.
If you’ve never trusted Jesus as your Saviour, this is the moment. He sees your brokenness and offers you His healing and grace. Romans 10:13 (NLT) promises: “For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
Let us pray together, asking God to open our eyes to His beauty and use us to bring His light to the world. Step out today with confidence, knowing that God’s grace shines brightest in the broken places.
