Canvas and Clay

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

~Ecclesiastes 3:11

I have insomnia. It all started back when I had Landon and some health problems developed. That is a very long story. However, because I have insomnia, I try to purposefully use the time when I can’t sleep. Instead of lying in bed tossing and turning, I usually have my quiet time, write, pray, plan the day, etc. 

Tonight was one of those nights. Often, God brings songs or song lyrics to my mind. I don’t think it is a coincidence when certain songs replay in my thoughts. I believe there are times when God wants me to share the lyrics and the song.

Yesterday before our church service started which we all watched online (due to Covid), I  heard the song “Canvas and Clay” by Pat Barrett. I love music, especially worship music, as I shared in my last post. Anyway the song talks about God being the artist and the potter and how we are the canvas and the clay. 

My youngest child has autism and has difficulty with communicating. Sometimes certain songs capture his attention. Yesterday, this song “Canvas and Clay” caused him to stop what he was doing and listen momentarily. He even said a line from the song “not finished with me.” So I knew this song resonated in his spirit and soul and I definitely wanted to share this.

Whatever your circumstances are, ask God to be the artist and the potter in your life. He honestly wants nothing else more. He can take all the good and bad, even mistakes and failures, and turn it into the most amazing masterpiece! I read the following quote once:

 “Don’t think you’ve messed up too much or drifted too far in your life for God to use you. You are not that powerful my friend.” 

This quote is so true. What we see as lost, hopeless, beyond repair, may quite honestly be the perfect ingredients for God to create a work of art with your life. We often can’t see this with our natural eyes. We have to trust Jesus and use our eyes of faith. He created the entire universe including us. Despite our flaws, imperfections, failures, and mistakes, He can and will make something beautiful if we allow it.

Here are the lyrics and link to “Canvas and Clay.” 

In my mother’s womb

You formed me with Your hands

Known and loved by You

Before I took a breath

When I doubt it, Lord, remind me

I’m wonderfully made

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

You make all things work together

For my future and for my good

You make all things work together

For Your glory and for Your name

There’s a healing light

Just beyond the clouds

Though I’ve walked through fire

I see clearly now

I know nothing has been wasted

No failure or mistake

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

You make all things work together

For my future and for my good

You make all things work together

For Your glory and for Your name

You make all things work together

For my future and for my good

You make all things work together

For Your glory and for Your name

You’re not finished with me

You’re not finished with me, yeah

You’re not finished with me

You’re not finished with me, yeah

When I doubt it, Lord, remind me

I’m wonderfully made

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

And I know nothing has been wasted

No failure or mistake

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

You make all things work together

For my future and for my good

You make all things work together

For Your glory and for Your name

When I doubt it, Lord, remind me

I’m wonderfully made

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

And I know nothing has been wasted

No failure or mistake

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

You’re an artist and a potter

I’m the canvas and the clay

Your friend,

Tiffany