“I have become like broken pottery.” Psalm 31:12b NIV
Every piece of broken pottery has a story behind it, a time when it was newly glazed, in the hand of it’s owner, fulfilling it’s purpose. And, of course, it has a story of how it was broken. The stark contrast between a new piece of pottery and one that lies on the floor in broken pieces sadly expresses the way David was feeling about a turn of events that occurred in his life. Though we’re not told the circumstances that led David to pen Psalm 31, we can relate to the pain he is expressing. Life brings us times when we mourn our loss and wonder how everything changed so quickly; when we recall the days life was going well and we thought that it always would. But life is fragile, as fragile as a piece of pottery. So what do we do when we find ourselves struggling to pick up the broken pieces? Well, what did David do?
In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Psalm 31:1-2 NIV
When everything fell apart, David turned to God! He cried out to Him for help and let God be the rock he stood on. We can do the same.
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; Psalm 31:14-15a NIV
We let God be God. In other words, we trust Him with the broken pieces. After all, He is the potter. If anyone can heal our pain and mend the pieces back together, it’s the Lord.
“I say, ‘You are my God.’”
There’s power in knowing God personally. He’s not just some cosmic force or some religious ideology, He is your God, your Creator, your Redeemer, your Strength, your Father. He is everything you want and everything you need!
“I will be glad and rejoice in your love.” Psalm 31:7a NIV
We can’t always rejoice in our circumstances. A beautiful vase shattered on the floor is messy. Life is messy, and hard, and painful; but God is love! We can always rejoice in the love He so graciously gives us! David had a tough life and he made a lot of mistakes. He committed sins that make us look like Mother Terese, but God never stopped loving David, and He never stops loving you! Rejoice in that love. Let it be the glue that holds you together when life is falling apart. Let Him pick up your broken pieces and make your life something beautiful again.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 NIV