We do not often look on brokenness as beautiful. The weeping, the questions, the doubts, the forlorn faces, the crying out… it is anything but beautiful, right?
It Feels Ugly and Hopeless
I know because I have been there too, and the brokenness is hard. It feels so ugly and hopeless. We often wonder if the brokenness can be patched. We also consider if we will ever find healing or if life will ever be beautiful again.
Encouragement
We can find encouragement in 1 Peter 5:10 which says, “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
There is Beauty
What a promise! The beauty is that we do not have to live in our broken state alone, and it will not last forever. We are promised restoration. God can even use us in the brokenness. As Kelly Minter states, “We all have something to give, even if we’re broke or broken.” God can and does use our brokenness for good. He brings us through to restoration because He is merciful and gracious and knows far more than we do. We do not always understand, but we can trust His promises and faithfulness.
A Prayer for Today
Thank you, O Lord, that you can fill us and use us even when we are broken. Thank you for your promise to restore.
Suggested Songs
Worship music can be so helpful in reminding us of God’s promises when we are in a broken state. Here are a few songs on my playlist that can be played during the restorative exercises listed below-
- Graves into Gardens (Instrumental)- The Worship Initiative
- The God Stays- Matthew West
- Wonderful Merciful Savior- David Carnes
- Jesus You’re Beautiful- Simply Worship, Ingunn
- Waymaker- Mass Anthem
- Restoration- Forerunner Music, Davide Brymer
Suggested Exercises and Stretches
The stretches and exercises for this session are low intensity and are geared toward restoration. There is a 20-minute video to follow along with if you would like direction through the moves for this workout session. The video can be found at the following link: Restorative and Stretching Routine With Beauty in Brokenness Devotion.
- Lie on your back on your mat and focus on your breath. Breathe in for a count of 4 and out for a count of 4. Repeat several times becoming in tune with your body.
- Gentle Alternating Knees to Chest (8-10 times per side)
- Both Knees to Chest being still, gently rocking side to side, or rotating in circles. (Hold for 30 sec. -1 min. )
- 90/90 Hamstring Stretch
- Piriformis Stretch
- Floor Marching (8-10 times per side)
- Penguin Crunch (8-10 times per side)
- Windshield Wiper
- Transition to tabletop position
- Rock forward and backwards gently
- Cat/ Cow
- Bird Dog (can incorporate a crunch)
- Plank (30 sec. -1 min)
- Cobra
- Child’s Pose
My prayer is that you feel encouraged today even if you are in a broken state. There is hope. I believe together is better and change is possible.
