Frapping is a nautical technique that sailors used when a ship was being beaten about by the wind and waves and at risk of breaking apart. Sailors would take ropes and chains and literally wrap the boat with these bands to strengthen the vessel. This would hold the vessel together against the pounding waves and keep the ship and its occupants safe and intact.
Frapping reminds me of what God does in our lives. He holds all things together by the power of His Word and who He. However in much the same way that a ship would be at risk of being damaged if it shook off its safety bands, we can also be hurt needlessly when we ignore and fight against God’s safety bands and boundaries in our lives too.
God knows where and when we need to be held together in alignment with Him and within His loving, firm hand. He never wants to limit our freedom or joy in life, but He does want to protect us from entering into stormy seas and treacherous territory needlessly.
Today whatever you are going through be encouraged that God is your ever present help and will lead you in the way to go. At times what He asks of us may feel constricting or not what we feel like doing. However just as the ‘frapping” bands secured a ship so it wouldn’t break apart, God secures and often pulls us together and even up on things in our lives so that we won’t get beaten around by unnecessary troubles and storms. When He holds us and we don’t fight His guidance we’ll always be able to keep moving forward regardless of conditions and make it safely home.
“For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8)
Prayer: Lord thank you for your loving hand on my life. Sometimes I may want to shake off your guidance and do my own thing, but I choose to listen, accept your counsel and follow you today. In Jesus name Amen.
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