“BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN”
OUR DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
READ: Psalm 31 (Focus vs.12–24)
MEMORY VERSE
“I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.”
Psalm 31:12
BACKGROUND
Our bus finally arrived at our much-anticipated destination—an archaeological dig in Israel where we would actually do some excavation work of our own. The site’s director explained that anything we might unearth had been untouched for thousands of years.
Digging up broken shards of pottery, we felt as though we were touching history. After an extended time, we were led to a workstation where those broken pieces—from huge vases shattered long, long ago—were being put back together.
The picture was crystal clear. Those artisans reconstructing centuries-old broken pottery were a beautiful representation of the God who loves to fix broken things. In Psalm 31:12, David wrote, “I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.”
Though no occasion is given for the writing of this psalm, David’s life difficulties often found voice in his laments—just like this one. The song describes him as being broken down by danger, enemies, and despair.
So, where did he turn for help? In verse 16, David cries out to God, “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.”
The God who was the object of David’s trust is the same One who still fixes broken things today. All He asks is that we call out to Him and trust in His unfailing love.
By: Bill Crowder
INSIGHT
In Psalm 31, David describes himself as broken pottery (v. 12)—an apt picture of humanity, for we’re frail vessels easily broken. We see this portrayal of humans as pottery and God as the Potter throughout Scripture (Psalm 2:9; Romans 9:21; Revelation 2:27).
In Jeremiah 18:1–10, we read of the Potter’s ability to create, preserve, tear down, and reshape people and nations (see also Isaiah 41:25; 45:9). Yet as Isaiah declares, “You, LORD, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (64:8). God as our Creator longs to preserve and restore His people (Psalm 31:23–24).
By: Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
What areas of brokenness have you experienced? How has God helped you through those difficult times?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Poor Humpty Dumpty – “…All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again” – if only Humpty had the Holy Spirit he would have been put together.” 
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (My Re-Emphasis from Post)
“The God who was the object of David’s trust is the same One who still fixes broken things today.”
*YOUR TAKE?
PRAYER
God of my help, I thank You for all the times I’ve fallen and been broken—times when You’ve put me back together.
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“JOY” VaShawn Mitchell
There’s beauty in my brokenness
I’ve got true love instead of pain
There’s freedom though you’ve captured me
I’ve got joy instead of mourning
There’s beauty in my brokenness
I’ve got true love instead of pain
There’s freedom though you’ve captured me
I’ve got joy…I’ve got joy instead of mourning
You give me joy
Down deep in my soul
Down deep in my soul
Down deep in my soul
You give me joy
Down deep in my soul
Down deep in my soul
Down deep in my soul
There’s beauty in my brokenness…
I feel your joy, ’cause you give me joy
Down deep in my soul
Down deep in my soul…
I’ve never been so free
Caught in your love for me (you love me)
I never been more secure
Knowing your heart, Lord
Never been so free…
Caught in your love for me
You give me joy
Down deep in my soul
Down deep in my soul…
Joy unspeakable, stronger
Your glory, what a glory
Release your joy in here
In my soul, in my soul
Down deep in my soul
Down deep in my soul…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (THIS WEEK)
THE BOOK OF HOSEA CHAPTERS 1-7
THE BOOK OF MATTHEW CHAPTERS 1-10