When our daughter got married last year and moved out, we needed to redo her bedroom, as she took all “her” bedroom furniture. (Apparently, all “our” stuff belongs in “her” new apartment, but that’s a blog for another day. Love you, Tay). Anyway, there was a picture on the wall in another room that would work in the newly redone bedroom except for the frame around the picture. The frame was ok, and it did its purpose by keeping the image on the wall for display. However, with just a little effort, we reframed the picture to match the décor of the bedroom. What a difference! This new frame not only did its function, but it literally embraced the photo, and this reframing transported me to the scene with a sense of belonging and peace.

“Reframe” is a word I suggest to those I coach/mentor, to go to as our thoughts get filled with lies from the enemy. This thought process was something I observed as I read the Bible. The Apostle Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament, was a great example of “reframing” situations. He often took his pain and reframed it into praise. King Jehoshaphat, in 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20, did the same thing during his battles. And doesn’t it seem likely that a carpenter would be the most significant “Reframer” of all?

Jesus reframed the shame of the cross. Jesus reframed what it means to lead others. Jesus reframed forgiveness. But most of all, Jesus reframed love! Love for you, and me. So why do we not embrace His frame?

If Jesus defeated the cross, death, and desires nothing more than to come back to us, (Revelation 22:20), then why do we let the frame of the world embrace us?

Draw near to Him, let Jesus reframe your situation,

your thoughts, marriage, children, friendships,

your purpose, ministry, career,

your pain and sorrow,

and let His frame give you a sense of belonging and peace!

Lord, embrace me! Let it be Your thoughts, Your Word, Your love, that I cling to and put around me. Let it be You I draw near too, not the views of this shallow, temporary world. Thank you for Your promises and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”