He is: The Potter
Because He is the Potter – I Am in His Hands
Pottery is one of my favourite pastimes, so it is a wonder to me that God chooses to describe Himself as a Potter. From the prophets to the apostles, the image appears again and again. (Isaiah 64:8, Isaiah 29:16, Jeremiah 18:1–6, Jeremiah 19:1–11, Romans 9:20–21)
It invites us to wonder what it really means to be the clay in the hands of our creator.
“Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.” – Jeremiah 18:6 (NIV)
On the pottery wheel the process is specific and intentional, with much to teach us about God.
Step one is centering. If the clay isn’t right in the centre of the pottery wheel, it becomes unstable, and the further from the center the more it wobbles. The potter takes time to draw it into place, in the same way God draws us to centre our lives in him.
The next step is to press down into a flat circle. We don’t always like the “pressing down”, but it’s part of the process.
Then, just when the clay feels flat, it’s time to open up. A vulnerable but essential step, creating an indent and drawing it out into a wide opening. Without that opening, there’s no capacity for shaping.
And finally the lift. The walls are pulled upward with just the right amount of pressure and support. This is usually where most of my pots fail! But in God’s hands, this is where things finally take their shape and purpose.
Through this whole process, you can’t let the clay get too dry. You are constantly adding water. In the same way, we need the water of the Word and the refreshing of the Holy Spirit to stay soft and responsive in His hands.
Once finished the pot still has trimming and firing and glazing ahead of it. All parts of the process that refine, strengthen and enhance its lasting beauty.
Pottery is a hands on, messy, magnificent process, which only works when the clay stays in the Potter’s hands. Jeremiah 18 reminds us that even when life feels wobbly, flat, smashed down, vulnerable, without shape and purpose, we are clay in the hands of the Master Potter. Stay soft, centred, and let God bring about something intentional, beautiful and purposeful with what you trust into his hands.
-Mindy Newsome
Response:
Father, You are the Potter and I am the clay. Thank You for shaping my life with love, patience and purpose. When the process feels uncomfortable or slow, help me to trust Your hands. You are forming something beautiful. Amen.