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I am guessing that age is beginning to catch up with me, as standing for a long time without some support is becoming more difficult. The first time my mind went there, my first reaction was oh my God, I am getting old. You know old folks are always looking for something to lean on. Some of them use walking sticks and for some others they need way more than a walking stick because their physical bodies are giving way to old age. Sometimes their energies are low and many times their joints cannot hold up anymore because of old age diseases like rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis. Looking for support is however not limited to old folks. Activities like running or other physical activities can cause able-bodied folks to get so wearied that they look for support or something to lean on. Leaning is how our bodies regain strength because it helps take the stress off our own weak extremities and transfers them on to an object that is more able to take the stress. Leaning gives relief and helps us to regain strength. It serves as an anchor for our ailing body.
In a similar manner, our souls are many times incapable of carrying the weight and burden of sins, afflictions, trials, and temptations. Whenever we are brought to our knees by our sins, burdens and afflictions, our souls also need support. The word of God and the promises it contains offers us eternal security and stability to help us stand firm when the wind of life blows in an adverse manner. One of the most assuring promises of God in the Bible is found in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose.” In this scripture we are told God is working for the good of those who love Him in all things. Thinking about this word here is enough to keep me from falling when I think about my sins. This is enough to give me strength when I think about my circumstances. His word in Matthew 11:28 says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is asking us to hold on to Him and at the same time to hold on to His promise. His promise is that He will give us rest whenever we are tired. His promise is to keep us standing whenever we are falling.
Are you not tired of trying to lean on your own wisdom and understanding when you are at crossroads? Jesus is asking us to come to Him no matter the issue we are facing. He is asking us to come to Him no matter how wearied we are. He is saying to you and me, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:30); “Cast all of your burdens on Me” (1 Peter 5:7). The Psalmist also asks you to “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). We must learn to lean on the promises of God for therein lies our sufficiency and joy in life. His promises lift us up, His promises prop us up and make us stable, His promises keep us going. Whenever our souls are downcast within us, it is time to reach for His promises. Just like food is nourishment for our body, so also are the promises of God nourishment for our souls. Just like a post will keep our weak body from falling, the promise of God is a strong tower that keeps our soul from being downcast.
We must however know what His promises for us are and understand them. You can only lean on a support you know is there and that you know can hold you. Many times, we misinterpret God’s promises in the Bible. In order to fully understand the promises of God in His words we must study His words diligently and meditate on them. We must also understand that the reason God gives us His promises is to help us better live our lives according to His perfect will for us and to trust Him completely. The fact of God’s promise does not make God bend to our will. We must know that all God’s promises are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen’, because we worship a God who keeps His promises; and knowing that we worship a God who keeps His promises is a source of deep joy and an anchor for our souls. Finally, even as we lean on His promises, we must understand that this does not imply a promise of certainty in our circumstances, but that we are promised certainty in the God of our circumstances. And that, brothers and sisters, is the anchor for our souls.– Pastor Simbo Odunaiya
