Lump of Mud

Psalm 103:13-14
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.


We all have times when it seems that no matter what we do, we just continue to fall short. Short of what we wish we were, of what we feel that God is wanting of us, short of what we assume must be God’s standard for us. We feel like we must do more, and we must be better. I tend to picture God, when I am in this place, sitting on His throne, shaking His head, holding back His mighty wrath. I often wonder if He just wants to give up on me. Do you ever feel the same?

I think that’s why I love this verse. Those of us with children, can especially understand the compassion that God must have for us. And being God, it is even more complete and perfect than the compassion we feel for our offspring. When we fear Him, giving Him the respect due Him, taking the time to try and comprehend all that He is capable of doing, He then showers us with His heavenly compassion. Why? Ah, this is where the passage gets stunningly beautiful.

Because "He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust."

Oh, the awesome wonder that is our God! He looks down on us, and has compassion on us, because He remembers how He formed us - just a little dirt, nothing more. It is His breath that is the transforming factor - but we are still dust. And when we let Him hold us within His grasp, He turns us into something much more magnificent. A masterpiece, really. He sees the beauty in us that perhaps no one else can see, and He alone can bring that full beauty to the surface. Like a beautiful earthenware jug, we are nothing until the Potter’s hands press and pull, mold and form us into a piece perfect for doing just what He desires. A work of art, polished and glorious to behold, when it is complete.

And all from a simple lump of mud.