The word, “fragility” has been rolling around in my head all week. By definition, fragile means, “easily breakable or damaged.” Other descriptions can include, delicate, vulnerable, and lack of strength. Did you catch that last one? Fragility is a lack of strength. For a word that is so often used to describe vases, porcelain, and picture frames, I found myself gazing into the internal mirror of self-reflection, identifying with the lackluster descriptions of what it means for something to be fragile.

You see, fragility likes to point the finger at us and remind us of our inability to rein in emotion. It likes to laugh at us when we get easily offended by someone else. It delights in stirring up a tidal wave of hopelessness and despair. Fragility is a reminder of our humanity, but it is nothing more than a mocker in the shadows. So, if we lack strength- where does one find strength? When we try to strengthen ourselves, we are often met with disappointment in the long run. We tire, we get sick, we get injured. We give up and the cycle of doubt restarts.

What we fail to realize is our strength must be found outside of ourselves. It must be found in the One who never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121), the One who is perfect in every way (Matt 5:48; Psalm 18:30), the One who beat death (Luke 24:6; Acts 2:32). When we strengthen ourselves IN the Lord, we trade in our rags for his riches and our weakness for his stability. The humility we find in the recognition of His majesty dispels the fragility that haunts us and reminds us of our lack. 

There is a reason the phrase “frame of mind” exists. Is the frame of your mind fragile, breakable, and delicate? Or is the frame of your mind firm, unbreakable, and durable? Apart from Christ, you will only ever have the former. With Christ, you get to live with the latter.