Today’s devotional: finding beauty amidst brokenness

Can beauty come out of brokenness? When you or a loved one is reeling from an illness, injury, or a personal loss, it feels difficult (or even offensive) to talk about finding beauty in the midst of pain. But many people and events in the Bible illustrate God’s startling ability to bring out moments of grace and beauty out of even the most wrenching despair. In this Slice of Infinity devotional, Jill Carattini writes:

Beauty in brokenness? Without glorifying suffering, there is an unexpected beauty that can shine through stories of struggle. One friend is a paraplegic broken in the use of her body, and yet she has a beautiful spirit. Not limited by her brokenness, she uses her own difficulties to help others, and teach others about true ability and disability. Tony Snow, former White House Press Secretary, considered his cancer a “calling” and for an article written in Christianity Today said, “We are fallen. We are imperfect. Our bodies give out. But despite this—because of it—God offers the possibility of salvation and grace.”(1) That possibility of salvation and grace is beauty in brokenness.

Somehow, uniquely, God desires to use those difficult moments of our lives to bring forth something extraordinarily beautiful. Even the natural creation attests to this truth. In fall, we marvel at the gorgeous, lush colors of burnt amber, burnished orange, brilliant red, and bright yellow leaves, even as that beauty belies the slow and gradual death of those leaves. Winter buries those leaves under the cold, dark blanket of snow and frost. And yet, death brings forth life. Spring bursts forth year after year with jonquils, iris, lilies, and all the beautiful pastels of new life.

Carattini points to the Israelite king David’s well-documented despair and suffering as an example of pain from which God brought something beautiful.

What about you? Are you struggling to keep afloat amidst pain, loss, or other setbacks? The closing words of this devotional challenge you to put your hope in Christ:

Today, if you are experiencing hardship, difficulty or personal darkness, seek the light and beauty of Christ, for he longs to be present to you, to give you a garland of beauty instead of ashes, to call you by name, and to bring forth treasures of darkness. He is there in the brokenness with you.

7 Responses to “Today’s devotional: finding beauty amidst brokenness”

  • Cindy says:

    This was perfect for the day! Our daughter is frustrated and hurt from a relationship that ended. I sent this to her. Thank you!

  • David says:

    Amen. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. May we never forget this! Sometimes we may not even be able to pray to Him after going through some trying moments. But He is still worthy of our praise, for He is still our Lord who died for us. And He is still with us, and ever waiting for us to turn to Him and find rest and peace in Him. Lord, shepherd and oversee our souls. Do not let the troubles in life overwhelm us, but we need You to be grace to us.

    • katrina says:

      I lost my sister last year and lost a part of myself as well. Found myself in self inflicted hell, but still recognized that my Jesus was with me. Others told me due to my sinful way that Christ could not be in me. I am still weak and fall short of Gods glory, but the grace of Jesus carries me thru the darkness around me. When emotions or negativity surround me I call upon the power of Jesus’ name and find comfort and strenght. Thank you for confirming that christ never leaves nor forsakes me!

  • mpho says:

    i’ve been going through diffuculties, but am greatful that God never changes even in our hardship He is still the same. The word tells us that He is closer to the broken-hearted.

    thank you for the massage it realy lift my spirit

  • Maik says:

    Amen

    And He is still with us, and ever waiting for us to turn to Him and find rest and peace in Him. Lord, shepherd and oversee our souls.

  • Thank you. This devotional blessed me today in an hour of darkness.

  • Chad says:

    It’s so incredible how God makes good out of our worst times. Actually, He has promised to make ALL things work for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). That verse has helped me through many tough times. We may not always see how it will happen, but God has promised, and He’s been faithful to do that in my life.

    I don’t hear a lot of sermons on brokenness, but the Bible says a lot about it, and it’s part of the process of us becoming more like Christ. It’s not necessarily fun to go through at times, but that has been some of my most intimate times with God, when He revealed Himself to me the most. I wouldn’t trade them for anything now.