⁹I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. ¹⁰Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:9-10

Last week I stopped at a local potter to choose mugs for use in The Cabin. It was so enjoyable to peruse his selection of mugs, bowls, vases and urns. A favorite was his collection of misshapen vases. While some might have considered them mistakes, they were an intentional design of the artist to bring interest and movement to any space. It was a beautiful picture of reframing the definition of perfection in pottery.

I appreciated the imperfection of these pieces. You see, sometimes I feel like a misfit — like maybe I don’t quite fit. And then I remember what God says about me. I am not destined for the trash! He is the helper at my right hand, he strengthens me and holds me up, even in my weakest moments.

Is today one of those days you wonder if you are worth the space you take up? If so, be assured that you are chosen. There is no danger of your Creator throwing you in the trash like a misshapen piece of pottery! No matter what your circumstances might indicate, the Lord is with you and will hold you up.

Before you go into the rest of the day, pause a moment. Identify the image you hold of yourself. Is it trash or treasure? Imagine the strength of the Lord come alongside you to hold you up. Feel his courage flow through you. Allow him to remake the image you hold of yourself from trash to treasure!