Tightropes

You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
—2 Samuel 22:37

As a gymnast, I know a lot about turned ankles. I can’t tell you how many times these clumsy feet of mine have been rolled, twisted, and iced.

As a Christian, I know a lot about erecting tightropes in my life that result in many turned ankles. These tightropes are unrealistic and not God’s purpose for me. Because they are ridiculously high, thin, and weak, they are impossible to cross. I have strung tightropes of impossible expectations. Tightropes of stress and undue pressure. Tightropes of perfectionism.

The underlying theme of each and every one of my self-imposed tightropes is perverted purpose. Instead of focusing on what God wants and what the Bible says, I have time after time twisted my ankles trying to traverse a tightrope that only sends me hurtling towards the safety net.

“You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.” This verse consistently stops me in my tracks. Literally.

I used to try to balance my life on a tightrope. I was wobbling and bobbling and about to fall when God made it clear to me that I don’t have to live that way.

I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free. —Psalm 119:32

When I was poised for a fall off of my tightrope, God set my heart free. He set me free from the silly requirements I had been ruthless in demanding myself to meet. He set me free from the worries and anxieties of life that like a bottomless pit of quicksand, threatened to consume me. At His feet and in His presence I found and continue to find freedom, peace and pure joy. I am resting in His purpose for me, which is to walk on the paths He has set for me instead of stumbling around on tightropes.

God broadens my path and clarifies my purpose, which is to follow Him and serve Him wholeheartedly. My purpose is to focus not on the mountain, but on the Mountain-Mover. My purpose is to focus not on what is wrong, but on Who can make it all right. My purpose is to focus not on the questions that plague my mind, but on Who knows all the answers. My purpose is to serve God and get calluses on my hands.

Today I can testify that I am no longer teetering on my swinging tightropes. I am running on the path God has provided for me. What joy it is to be free!