“Frayed edges”. That’s the phrase that came to me yesterday. I woke up feeling as if some of my edges were a little frayed. So I did the only thing that ever truly helps: I ate chocolate. Well, not really. Actually, the only that ever truly helps: I pressed into God for wisdom.
As I journaled through some of my feelings, God reminded me of a few compromises I had made in recent days. Not major compromises, necessarily. But little compromises with things like how I spend some of my time. Small things that add up to bigger things by the end of the week. And it’s no wonder my edges were a little frayed.
Almost every minute of every day we have some choice to make — eat that, go there, do that, say this. And God doesn’t guide us towards certain daily choices because He wants to squeeze all the fun out of life. He guides those who ask because He knows us better than we know ourselves.
Following His lead doesn’t give us gold stars in the Jesus book. It doesn’t earn us greater favor. It’s just that following His lead — walking down the path He graciously reveals for our minutes — brings greater blessing to our days. Simply because He knows what’s best.
Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you from the womb and will help you…
(Isaiah 44:2)
It isn’t legalism. It’s wisdom. And it takes intentionality. The world is too loud and the lists are too long to coast through life hoping we get it right. Unless we purposefully press into our Lord, seeking the path that best suits our today, we’ll be swept away with demands.
I feel the pressure. External pressure from a world that judges. And internal pressure I place upon myself in efforts to live up to the external pressure from a world that judges. It’s tiring. And fraying.
So I asked for His wisdom. And the thing I heard Him say was, “Go back to the things you already know to do.” The quiet, non-social-media start to my day. Seeking Him before making some long, unreachable to-do list. Taking good care of this physical body He has given me. Some of my personal basics.
Our edges will get frayed when we spend even one day trying to keep up with the pressure-filled world that surrounds us. Yet even when we have moments of detour, God waits in grace ready to cleanse and guide. How amazing.
Fill me, Lord…
Are your edges a little frayed?
What are some things that you “already know to do”?
Amen Lara .. I receive This Word This morning. As usual when I’m in a low place God always uses you to.send.a.word in that moment. I.pray God continues to.bless you..your family and ministry. Stay strong and pressing on to that higher calling.
He is so gracious. Thank you for your encouraging words, Ophelia. Bless you!
Have you heard the song “Buried in the Grave” by All Sons and Daughters? Such a fantastic reminder of truth especially preparing for Easter.
This post brought to mind a few lines…
“…all we had, all we have is this promise like a thread, holding us, keeping us, oh from fraying at the edge.. All we know, all we know is you said you’d come again, you rose up from the grave.”
Thanks for speaking truth. I’m thankful to Jesus for you and your words of encouragement.
No, I haven’t heard that song but I will look it up! And thank you for your encouragement. Much love, sister.