I happened upon a website featuring sculptures made out of old toys, plastic spoons, typewriters, soda cans, and even hangers. In an introduction to these garbage-turned-artwork pieces, Vitaly Friedman wrote this about the artists: “These talented individuals see possibility in the things we throw away every day. Instead of heading to the art supply store they just collect common trash and turn it into works of amazing art.”
The website brought to mind several conversations I’ve had over the last few years with people in different ministry contexts. Pastors and college students, the elderly and the young, have confided in me that they feel worthless—as if they have made an irredeemable mess of their lives. I too have experienced days of discouragement when I’ve questioned life’s meaning and purpose. I have also wondered if God could do anything with the garbagelike mess I’ve created.
Genesis 1:2 tells us, “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” God created our beautiful earth out of nothing, out of what was “formless and empty.” If God can create such beauty out of nothing, and if He can inspire artists to create artwork out of garbage, can’t He make amazing works of art out of our lives? Yes, He can make all things new! (Revelation 21:5).
This begins when we receive salvation by belief in Jesus (John 3:16). If, as believers, we’ve messed up, we can repent and experience His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). We are God’s children, and even though we fail at times, He’s still a God who can create beauty—even from our garbage! (Revelation 21:7).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 3:1-17
More:
Read John 21:15-25 and reflect on how Jesus brought beauty out of the mess Peter created by denying Him.
Next:
What garbage do you need to bring to Jesus in repentance today? How does it inspire you to know God made incredible beauty out of that which was “formless and empty”?
Gary Shultz on March 1, 2017 at 5:03 am
Hi Marlena: Peter’s mess and ours were indeed items that needed to be dealt with for any service of ongoing value to be had. We learn that misplaced loyalties and misguided values were marks of a failure to deal with garbage in our lives (sin). It seems that we have no problem cooking up new batches of failure we need to clean from ourselves, through God’s work of forgiveness. God does not enjoy, condone or accept our failures, but He does understand and offers the cleaning we need. And yes, He does give us the strength to do works of glory to Himself….. I must complain just a little, about the inclusive nature of the latest interpenetration of the NIV on the last verse you mention (Rev. 21:7) Here’s how the original NIV reads. “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son”. I know maybe not politically correct; however, it brings the promise of inheritance by being a “son”. As you know we being “sons” are placed in a position of maturity and position of heir. The impact was not to exclude gender, but to show us the strongest position in Christ, our brother, savior, and Lord. One of my favorite verses. Thanks Marlena, and for allowing to go a little long.
manofprayer55 on March 1, 2017 at 8:45 am
When I gave my life to Christ i got a great deal. A Divine Exchange was made. I gave him my old garbage filled life and He gave me a brand new life filled with the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t just change our garbage into something good. He took the garbage into his body on the cross and when He was resurrected He was the first born among many of which I am one! I am a new creation. Old things are passed away and every thing is now new!
godlove on March 1, 2017 at 10:50 am
Indeed, if God could create the incredible beauty of our earth out of plain nothingness, then He can definitely make amazing works of art out of the garbage of our lives, if only we allow Him to. This is a wonderful encouragement to keep believing in God and trusing in His ability to transform our brokenness into something absolutely beautiful, for His good. Thank you Marlena, this is a beautiful message to start the Lent season with.
street on March 1, 2017 at 11:58 am
made in the image of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to create good works that will never pass away. love joy peace patients kindness goodness, faithfulness gentleness self control.
hsnpoor on March 4, 2017 at 6:02 pm
Wonderful picture that accompanies this beautifully encouraging word of truth, Marlena! Thank you for the reminder!