FRAGILE

“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.”

(Psa. 39:4)

It’s early morning and I just woke to face my fourth day of having the flu that has invaded our State. Believe me, it’s as bad as they say it is. I might add even worse for us Octogenarians. During this time alone with God I've thought of darling David’s words in the text quoted above. Maybe some of you need the following article as I do.  

The word “frail” is used only once in the Bible. David asked the Lord to make known to him his frailty; that is, how weak he actually was and how easily the earthen vessel could be broken. It’s interesting to note that in David’s autobiography (Psalms) he speaks so often of his sorrow, sickness, pain, and afflictions. I heard a preacher jestingly say once, “Be careful what you pray for; you just might get it!” It is evident from David’s life, God answered his prayer request.

It is important for all of us to have our frailties revealed to us, for we are so prone to think of ourselves as indomitable, thereby making ourselves independent entities. But once God brings a crack in the vessel, we are more apt to put our fragile lives in His hands for safe keeping.

Interestingly, earlier in his life, robust David killed lions, bears, and giants with his own hands; but later on, when the frailties of life set in, he needed others that God sent his way to help him in killing his giants. Our frailties not only make us realize our dependence upon God but also on one another. “No man liveth to himself.”

“If your life has been marked ‘Fragile,’ don’t worry, God will handle it with care.”

(rds)