broken yet beautiful

Earlier today, I was walking along a beach with my daughter gathering seashells. She was intent on finding certain kinds. While she was intently searching, I walked along and looked for some that matched her specifications. I found a shell that was lovely. It was iridescent on the inside and just shone when the light hit it just right. It was, however, flawed as a piece was broken out of it.  As I was holding it and admiring the pretty colors. God spoke to me. "You may be broken and have gone through things that intend to break you, but you are still beautiful to me. You mine and I love you. I see the beauty and find great joy in my child. I can also heal the brokenness."  I stood on that beach and cried. You see, the last few months have broken me. I have never felt so broken. I have struggled to bring praise in the circumstances. I have not lost my hope in Jesus and I know He is my answer. He is my provider, my shield and my comforter. I have run to him and told him of my pain and my needs. He knows what I have endured. God is so good to me. I know that beyond a shadow of doubt. BUT today, God reminded me that I am still beautiful to Him. He still heals the hurt and pain. He hears the cry of our heart.

 Psalm 43:5 says, Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

David often wrote about the cry of his soul, of the pain, yet turned to praise every time. He still trusted in God. I know I can trust in God to heal the hurt and restore the broken. God has promised he will never leave us, nor forsake us. He is the God that does the impossible. It does not matter how impossible a situation may appear, God can perform miracles. He can do what we cannot. 

I am so grateful that God can still take an unexpected moment and remind me of his love for me. He knows what I need, and when I need it. God knows the broken, yet still sees the beauty. He heals the hurt. 

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

He give beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning. He will give us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. He takes what we carry and gives something better. He can take our cares because He cares for us. Lay it down at his feet and he will take over with his peace, joy, and praise shall come forth. He will be glorified through our story.