We are now a full year into the Covid-19 pandemic, and it has appeared from time to time that as a nation and maybe as individuals, we have been lurching from crisis to crisis, wondering what to do next.
As we progress along life’s path, so much can and does go wrong. It can very often feel like navigating through myriads of mountainous minefields. We have to tread very carefully, watching where we place our feet, zig-zagging along, attempting to avoid the pitfalls and explosions and make very sure that we do not topple over into disaster, as we try to get back to ‘normal life’, whatever that may be.
Recently during the snow and ice, I was slipping and sliding down the hilly, frozen pavement and only avoided falling to the ground because Jean and I were walking hand in hand. We very often need help as we advance through life; …a walking stick, a pair of crutches, walking poles, a wheelchair, a zimmer frame, a carer’s arm, a lover’s hand or a friend’s supportive shoulder can all be very helpful when the need arises, enabling us to continue on our journey.
Bill Withers, who died nearly a year ago, was very famous for one particular song, containing these lyrics:
Lean on me
When you're not strong
I'll be your friend … I'll help you carry on
We all need somebody to lean on
If we are honest, we all need someone to lean on, someone whom we can trust to support us. Our own understanding is very often deficient, or non-existent, or so self-centred that we cannot see the full picture or know what to do. God’s Word says:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths”
Or we could write it like this:
“Lean on the Lord, trust and be confident in Him with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways, recognise and acknowledge Him,
and He will direct and make straight your paths”
How is your life at present? Upon whom are you leaning, or relying? Where is your confidence?
The main problem we all have in life is our pride and selfishness. From childhood, we think we know what is best. We lean on our own knowledge and understanding, however deficient, and we refuse to humble ourselves and ask for help from anyone else … especially God … Whom many believe does not even exist! But He does … and He never forces Himself upon us but is patiently waiting for us to use our free will and call upon Him for help:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise (to return to earth as the Judge of all) …
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”
The Lord Jesus, our Saviour, says this to us all:
Trust in Me … Lean on Me … I know you’re not strong … I’ll be your Friend
… I’ll help you carry on … We all need Somebody to lean on
One day … it will be too late to ask for help.
Ron Brickman