My friend Carrie posted yesterday a picture of a beloved coffee mug that had been broken. It was a vintage picture of Charlie Brown with the familiar saying, “Good Grief” under it. The handle had been busted off, probably from a slip of a hand or a clumsy movement that send the mug sprawling across the counter. And BAM, the deed was done and the Charlie Brown coffee experience was over. I realize that it MAY not have been that dramatic, but I tend to have a flare for seeing things that way. The mug reminds me of how easy it is to break things that are precious to us. I don’t know how many times I have broken items in my home that were precious to me, just because I wasn’t paying attention. Sometimes things get destroyed on complete accident! Like the time I took apart the air compressor to fix a broken belt, and oops… I dropped it on the concrete floor and alas, the compressor was dead.
I hate it when that happens. But really in the grand scheme of things, these moments are minor. Losing a mug or a compressor won’t really alter the course of our eternal destiny, but it makes me think about the things in life that get broken that DO have lasting consequences. Like when I am careless with my words, and I hurt someone I care about. Or when I don’t take care of the relationships around me and they fall into ill repair. Or when I don’t spend time with the Lord and a perceived distance falls between us where I feel isolated and forgotten. In my morning time with the Lord, I was reminded of how God is the great restorer. How no matter how bad of a mess we make with our lives, either accidentally or on purpose, God has a way of making all things new. Isaiah 61:4 says, They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. The prophet was referring to Israel’s restoration from the exile, I believe however that this can be applied to a spiritual exile as well. I can remember times in my life where God really came in and did an amazing work of grace! Sin demolished, relationships restored. Powerful moments where the Spirit moved and I was transformed. I can also remember times when my sin broke me and I felt isolated from God. Notice here I say “felt isolated”. Never once did God leave me, but because of my actions or the actions of others against me, I FELT this way. Yet, God is always ready to restore us, isn’t He? Do you ever feel this way? Are you reading this today thinking, “I could use a good restoration from the Master… but how in the world do I achieve that?” Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV) 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Jesus took care of all the “brokenness” on the cross long ago. All we need do is lay our broken pieces down and ask God to restore. Perhaps it’s time to take God up on His offer. Perhaps that relationship that got crushed by something you said needs a good repairing from the Spirit. Or maybe that sin in your life that has a stronghold on you needs to be laid at the foot of the cross so that forgiveness can be applied. I don’t know where you are today. I hope that everyone reading this is whole and happy! But I know that probably isn’t the case. If you’re in need of a good restoration, take some time today and ask God what needs to be done. He will answer you! He will heal you. Have a great day, Mike
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AuthorMike's Musings Archives
August 2017
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