Take the Time for Sharpening
If your axe is not sharp, you will need to be very strong to use it. If you are wise, you will make the axe’s edge sharp again. That is how wisdom helps you to do things well.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 (Easy)
Over the last few months, I have been blessed with time to breathe. It’s been a season of rest and renewal that was much needed. I was exhausted and worn out from several months of constant work and activity, and had lost my peace and joy.
During this season of rest, God brought healing, encouragement, and strength to my soul. He wanted me to slow down and deliberately say, “No,” to everything else demanding my time and attention, and be still with Him.
In that stillness, there were many tears and moments of simply being held by God. He let me open the floodgates of my emotions while He brought healing and understanding. He gave me opportunities to find joy again in the little pleasures of life: birds singing in the morning, fresh air, flowers blooming, and the warm sun on my face during our morning walks.
As I felt myself coming back to life, He led me back to the source of true life in Him, His Word. I enjoy bible studies and I’m grateful for the faithfulness of the writers that create them, but God was calling me back to reading His Word for myself and digging deep as I searched for what He had to say directly to me.
Today’s passage was a beautiful revelation. My axe had become dull, and it was time to sharpen it. For me, that meant that my personal study time with God had become routine and was lacking the passion it once had, which was reflected in the monotonous way I was living my life. It lacked the fire, excitement, and thrill of discovery it once had.
Reading His Word today reignited the passion. It felt so great to know that this passage was God speaking to me. He has more for me to do, and it will require some “sharpening.” This sharpening would have been overwhelming a few months ago, but now I see it with excitement and expectation of what God has in store. I love how gracious and patient God is with me. He gave me time to heal, rest, and strengthen as He lovingly guided me to the next step in His plan and purpose.
Oh Lord, I thank you for the love you continually pour out over me. Thank you for holding me and guiding me through every season of my life. I look forward to all you have ahead, and I pray that I will submit to the sharpening and refining so that my life will bring you glory and honor. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
