At times being God’s son or daughter may seem painful. It may seem like we are breaking. God is the Potter, and we are the clay (Jeremiah 18:6). God has a way of getting our attention and letting us know where we need to change, with Scripture. “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body” (Proverbs 4:20-22). Scripture is God’s word, some of it feels good to hear and some of it very difficult to carry out, and all of it is for us to be growing as Christians.
I may resist, thinking I am protecting my heart by not allowing a change. But when I have stepped out in faith, trusting that God knows what is best for me, my life has been freed. The situations to which I am referring to are times when I have asked for forgiveness from someone for my response to them, even if they have not asked me to forgive them for the pain they caused me. I have sometimes withheld responses because of pain someone has caused me, also needing to apologize. In Proverbs 4:23 “guard your heart” is an active, not a passive command. The verbs used in verses 24-27 include “fix your gaze” “be steadfast” “do not turn to the right or the left” “free of perversity”.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right of the left; keep your foot from evil” Proverbs 4:23-27
Start thinking about who God is shaping you to be. You are being made into a unique person, able to reflect God’s image in a way that no one else can…
A clay pot doesn’t get made without the potter cutting away unneeded pieces, flattening some areas, carving defining lines in it.
Share your response below, or message me if you would like, at joysulungaine@gmail.com. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, as well.
Out of clay 