Often, we find that the path that leads to happiness in life includes affliction, trials, and suffering—physically, mentally, and even spiritually. There are times in each of our lives when we feel as though we have really made a mess of our lives. We long for a second chance to make things right, but sometimes we find ourselves feeling so unworthy – so broken. We envision that our lives are broken beyond repair and that the shattered pieces can never be put back together to make us whole again. But, the good news is that no matter how broken we may be, the Savior can make us whole again. He reminds us as He did ancient Israel, “Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand” (Jeremiah 18:6).
The American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic has released an inspirational new music video of the hymn “Be Still My Soul” that beautifully illustrates how something that is broken can be made like new again.
In the video, we see a young man who looks heartbroken, taking his damaged cello to a luthier to be repaired. From the outward appearance, the instrument looks to be damaged beyond repair. However, the masterful luthier, after carefully assessing the damage, chooses his tools and sets out to meticulously work to restore the instrument to its original condition, using care and caution in each step of the process. He takes his time in restoring the instrument, smoothing the rough edges and surfaces, and finishing and polishing the instrument, making it look brand new. When he finishes his work, he presents it to the young man whose face is now aglow seeing his cello repaired, and knowing that he will once again be able to make beautiful music with it.
In the same way, a potter takes a lump of clay and turns it into a beautiful vessel. Using the analogy as it applies to our lives, Jesus Christ is the Master Potter sitting at the potter’s wheel, and we are the clay that He molds and shapes into something extraordinary. He lovingly works the clay until all the impurities are out of it and it becomes soft and pliable. He then puts the clay on his wheel which is turned by a treadle. He throws the clay directly in the middle of the wheel, and the wheel spins. Afterward, He caresses the clay with His loving fingers and smooths it out. And from what was once an unlovely, unlikely lump of clay, comes forth a magnificent, beautiful vessel.
And so, there are two things that are required to form the vessel: the touch of the Master’s hands and the turning of the wheel. The wheel represents the circumstances of our daily lives. God sees to it that our lives revolve around certain events, all the while touching our lives and making them what He wants them to be.
There are times when it may seem that our lives, just like the cello in the video, are far beyond repair because there are too many broken pieces. But God can mend our broken lives if we will but give Him all the pieces.
