The beauty in brokenness comes from the light

When we feel broken, our thoughts lean toward “How can light shine from a shattered pile of glass?”

I propose that it is even better. The mosaic of life is rich. Notice that our light is to shine before others.

The shards come together to form new shapes, ones that light the path brilliantly for the broken behind us. The arrangement gives off patterns, unique to the circumstances that formed them.

In the darkness, Christ’s radiance shines as the singular beacon drawing our eyes to Him.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV

Only Christ is capable of casting out polished and unmarred beams of brilliant light. He is called the Redeemer. Does He not call us in our brokenness? Allowing partnership with our very maker in lighting the path?

What does the Bible say about being broken?

If our way was unmarked by troubles and pain would we look for him in the first place?

Our “good works” can showcase our refusal to accept what life has given us and distract us from His healing.

Determine to look for God’s hand in crafting us, molding us… beautifully.

There is a saying by Leonard Cohen, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

I would reverse that idea. Without a crack in our exterior, no light would get out. Those fissures become gifts to encourage those stumbling around us.

Glowing markers along the rutted road.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit- Psalm 34:18

The High and Lofty One lives forever, and his name is holy. This is what he says: I live in a high and holy place. But I am with those who are crushed and humble. I will renew the spirit of those who are humble and the courage of those who are crushed- Isaiah 57:15

How can God use our brokenness?

Our creative God knows how to blend our pieces with His tender hand.

The outpouring of light then could leave no doubt about the source. In the midst of our light, shines the bright hope of Christ.

Only God could receive the glory, for no other craftsman could offer such beauty.

Singer Bebo Norman captures this idea with these words:

“Oh great light of the world
Fill up my soul
I’m half a man here
So come make me whole”

My light contains slivers of glass so fragmented was sure could never be whole.

What joy to see that I was wrong.

We can walk in bold confidence, assured that our light, our very personal and particular light, is shining before another, profiling Jesus in a unique pattern.

Each step, triumph.