I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. Psalm 31:12
Our bus finally arrived at our much-anticipated destination—an archaeological dig in Israel where we would actually do some excavation work of our own. The site’s director explained that anything we might unearth had been untouched for thousands of years. Digging up broken shards of pottery, we felt as though we were touching history. After an extended time, we were led to a workstation where those broken pieces—from huge vases shattered long, long ago—were being put back together.
The picture was crystal clear. Those artisans reconstructing centuries-old broken pottery were a beautiful representation of the God who loves to fix broken things. In Psalm 31:12, David wrote, “I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.” Though no occasion is given for the writing of this psalm, David’s life difficulties often found voice in his laments—just like this one. The song describes him as being broken down by danger, enemies, and despair.
So, where did he turn for help? In verse 16, David cries out to God, “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.”
The God who was the object of David’s trust is the same One who still fixes broken things today. All He asks is that we call out to Him and trust in His unfailing love.
Read: Psalm 31:12-24 (NIV)
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;x
I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear many whispering,y
“Terror on every side!”z
They conspire against mea
and plot to take my life.b
14 But I trustc in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My timesd are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shinee on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.f
17 Let me not be put to shame,g Lord,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
and be silenth in the realm of the dead.
18 Let their lying lipsi be silenced,
for with pride and contempt
they speak arrogantlyj against the righteous.
19 How abundant are the good thingsk
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,l
on those who take refugem in you.
20 In the sheltern of your presence you hideo them
from all human intrigues;p
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues.
21 Praise be to the Lord,q
for he showed me the wonders of his lover
when I was in a city under siege.s
22 In my alarmt I said,
“I am cut offu from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cryv for mercy
when I called to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!w
The Lord preserves those who are true to him,x
but the proud he pays backy in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,z
all you who hope in the Lord.
INSIGHT
- What areas of brokenness have you experienced?
- How has God helped you through those difficult times?
In Psalm 31, David describes himself as broken pottery (v. 12)—an apt picture of humanity, for we’re frail vessels easily broken. We see this portrayal of humans as pottery and God as the Potter throughout Scripture (Psalm 2:9; Romans 9:21; Revelation 2:27). In Jeremiah 18:1–10, we read of the Potter’s ability to create, preserve, tear down, and reshape people and nations (see also Isaiah 41:25; 45:9). Yet as Isaiah declares, “You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” (64:8). God as our Creator longs to preserve and restore His people (Psalm 31:23–24).
PRAYER
God of my help, I thank You for all the times I’ve fallen and been broken—times when You’ve put me back together. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: Psalm 31:12-24 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Amos 7-9; Revelation 8
