The Rope of Life

An ancient monastery sits on top of a cliff in the beautiful countryside of Portugal. Visitors to this lofty retreat are rewarded with a magnificent view. However, the only way to reach the monastery is by being hoisted up a cliff in a wicker basket by an aged monk.

One day, as a visitor prepared to leave, he turned to his guide and asked nervously, “How often do you replace this rope?” The gray-haired monk chimed, “Each time the old rope breaks.”

Such a response would certainly be cause for concern, raising our anxiety. Anxiety like this—fear, doubt, and worry—can paralyze us. We may mistakenly think only non-believers live in fear of the bottom dropping out. However, many Christians are living the same way.

Here is the wondrous Truth of God: He holds the rope of our lives within His infinite, loving grasp. Nothing is strong enough to remove His shelter of protection from our lives. He knows our every move, and He is constantly aware of our deepest needs. Indeed, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35, 37).

Jesus reminds us that not even one sparrow falls to the ground apart from God’s knowledge and will. “[E]ven the very hairs of your head are all numbered,” says Jesus. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30-31).

The next time you sense your anxiety level rising, stop and remember that God is aware of you. He loves you, and nothing can change this. You can trust Him fully. He holds you in His sovereign, loving hand. He has a powerful purpose for your life for both your blessing and the blessing of others as you seek first His Kingdom and trust Him with your days (see Psalm 90:12).

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have a wonderful plan for all my days. I lay my fear and anxiety down before You and receive Your peace today. May I serve Your Kingdom purposes with my every breath and know the joy of living for You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.