I was reading a passage in Jeremiah in the Old Testament recently. There’s a beautiful image of God as a Potter I wanted to share.  

‘This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:   
 
“Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.”  So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel.  But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.’ (Jeremiah 18:1-4) 

I know for some; this has been a tough start to the year. Maybe we’ve been hurt or maybe we’ve made mistakes. We’re knocked out of shape; lumpy clay in need of help.  

This passage describes God as a Potter. An artist using clay to create something of value. In our lives, God is as the Potter, shaping and reshaping us as life’s circumstances change.  He is a skilled potter, able to make and remake us time and again. Even when we don’t expect it or don’t feel worthy, God uses us as His creations.  

We’re the continuous work of His gentle hands – softening our tough edges, building us up, restoring our broken parts. He acts with grace, lovingly embracing our misshapen forms! 

This image invites me again to believe in God’s moulding and shaping in us. To be courageous in trusting that He is always working for good.  

Maybe also it’s a reminder for you and for me, that God hasn’t finished with us yet. There is goodness, hope and adventure to come.  

Amen 

Ps. Perhaps you’re like me and can’t read this passage without singing the words of that old 90’s praise song ‘The Potters Hand’ by Darlene Zschech! You can take a listen here and use the lyrics as a prayer, if you’d like – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5bKA6GO9Ic  

Photo by Iraj Beheshti on Unsplash