July 28
Scripture: Jer 17:14
Source author: Scoti Springfield Domeij
July 28
I Am Distinctly God’s O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone! —Jeremiah 17:14
In the fifteenth century, the Japanese did not throw away broken ceramic objects. They mended them with a technique known as kintsugi, or golden joinery. Skilled kintsugi artisans sprinkled powdered gold on sticky lacquer holding broken seams together. These golden seams are distinctly Japanese. Enhanced by the master artisan’s touch, a broken pot that normally would have been tossed actually became lovelier, more precious, and more valuable than before. When everything I valued was shattered, I saw myself as I really am. Broken. Vulnerable. Helpless. Busted relationships, discarded promises, and destroyed expectations extinguished my hope that I could be restored. Hard times tested my fragile heart, sensitizing it to others—also broken, crushed, and flung away like useless debris. How can I thank God enough for picking up each piece and patching together my life and heart better than before? I am not disposable to God. I’m precious and valuable.
The restorative touch of our wounded healer, Jesus, highlights our brokenness, letting others know we’re distinctly God’s. — Scoti Springfield Domeij —