I enjoy exploring the treasures of Old Testament words. Often they use images to tell the story. It would be like using a word that describes being trapped in ice rather than saying, "I'm cold."

 

One of my favorite Bible verses uses such descriptive words to paint a beautiful scene, with far deeper and clearer meaning than what modern translations can convey. Picture this...

 

A master weaver sits before an ancient loom. Strong hands deftly shape an elaborate tapestry with images of you---here in your mother's womb; there as a child; when on your own; then older still. Your gaze falls on yet another image---you looking over the shoulder of the master weaver.

 

"What is this?" you cry. "Your life," the master calmly replies. "But how could you---" "I know many things," he says, never once interrupting the work at hand. You look into his face. He seems ancient, though not old. Strong, but gentle. Focused, yet fully aware. Still weaving, he speaks.

 

"I am skilled with my loom and use it to weave your tapestry. In the dark, empty spaces I weave strands of purpose, dignity, and worth. This tapestry is to give you life that is whole and secure, not to hurt you or cause worry or fear.

 

"Throughout this tapestry I weave a special cord that is strong and sure. One end holds together all the different threads that make up the fabric of your life. The other leads directly back to me and rests in the palm of my hand. And I will never let it go."

 

Do you remember reading that anywhere? Maybe not. This is the rich imagery God's words have for us when we dig a little deeper and seek a little harder. Perhaps this will seem familiar...

 

I am skilled with...I understand...my loom...my machine, purposes, thoughts...and use it to weave...to think, form...your tapestry...what I want specifically for you, with all that you are and can be.

 

In the dark, empty spaces, I weave...I think, form...strands of purpose, dignity, and worth...meaning, fulfillment.

 

This tapestry...my purposes, thoughts...is to give you a life that is whole and secure...provide peace for your soul...not to hurt you or cause worry or fear...not for evil, distraction, turmoil.

 

Throughout this tapestry I weave...for your life my purposes, thoughts give...a special cord that is strong and sure...an expectation.

 

One end holds together all the different threads that make up the fabric of your life...a certainty in the present.

 

The other leads directly back to me and rests in the palm of my hand. And I will never let it go...a certainty in the time to come.

 

Maybe this will be clearer.

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for your welfare

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:1

 

Even in your darkest moments, God sees in you purpose, dignity, and worth that no one can take away, because He himself has woven them into the tapestry of your life. You are important to Him. He has given you hope, the cord that reaches into your heart, and He will never let it go.

 

Pretty cool, huh? 

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