It only takes turning on the news or reading the headlines on The Huffington Post to remind us that we live in a broken world.
Even in our personal lives, we face brokenness. Financial struggles, scary diagnoses, unemployment, the loss of a loved one, broken relationships. The list continues…
A few weeks ago, I shared this link on Facebook and Twitter: http://goo.gl/lSXcPT. I knew the photography was breathtaking, but I wasn’t quite ready for one comment a reader made.
Lee said, “Love it! God makes beauty out of brokenness.”
Such a simple, but powerful reminder. One that continues echoing to me as I face this Goliath battle.
I can’t help but wonder, what if we all found beauty in being broken?
For when we are broken, God is strong.
When we are weak, God’s power is made perfect.
When we have nothing left to give, God still uses us.
Starting today, will you take these steps to find beauty in the midst of brokenness?
1. Read only the good stuff. Choose to center your thoughts on the beauty in the world rather than focusing on the negative. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Train your mind to concentrate on the noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. In doing so, you’ll see your perspective and attitude shift. For every once piece of bad news you read or watch, read two articles or links that restore your hope.
2. Be grateful. In the midst of our own brokenness, we can wear blinders, in a sense, that blocks out everything else but our troubles. Instead of focusing on your situation or adversity, choose to give thanks.
Starting today, write down three things you are thankful for. To add to that challenge, share your three things on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook with the hashtag, #1000gifts. Soon, you’ll begin to see everything as a gift and lay hold of the beauty even in the midst of struggle.
3. Learn someone’s story. Choose someone you know who has had a rough few years. Maybe they went through a tragic loss, were diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, or lost their job. Take them out to dinner or meet for a cup of coffee. Ask them to share as much of their story as they feel comfortable. As you listen, look for ways you can encourage or bless them. Celebrate the work God is doing in their lives that they may not recognize yet.
When we identify the beauty in others’ lives, we can begin to see the beauty in our own brokenness, too.
4. Focus on the WHO. While God welcomes all of our questions, he challenges us to reorient our thinking on the WHO, instead of the WHY. We’re reminded through the story of Job that we may not understand WHY things are as broken as they are, but, in holding on to God’s promises and resting in God’s presence, we can find hope, strength, and joy in the middle of despair.
Instead of flooding God with WHY questions today, shift your attention to the truths about who God is. For when we trust in his goodness, hold tight to his faithfulness, we can #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK each and every day.
