There once was an old deacon who always prayed, “Lord, prop us up on our leanin’ side.”
After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.
He answered, “Well sir, you see, it’s like this… I got an old barn out back. It’s been there a long time. It’s withstood a lot of weather. It’s gone through a lot of storms, and it’s stood for many years. It’s still standing, but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn’t fall.
“Then I got to thinking ’bout that and how much I was like that old barn. I been around a long time, I’ve withstood a lot of life’s storms, I’ve withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I’ve withstood a lot of hard times, and I’m still standing, too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leanin’ side, ’cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times.”
BUT, how do I lean into God?
I’m reminded of two old songs with some great truth. The first is Put Your Hand In The Hand by Anne Murray and the second is He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands by Laurie London. I know that He’s got you and me in His hands. Knowing that God has the ability to calm the sea, raise the dead, turn water into wine and heal the sick and so much more, then I know he can handle what is going on in my life.
Faithfulness is an unfailing loyalty that is repeatedly demonstrated.
Even during the difficult times we must learn to trust in God. Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light!
Charles Spurgeon said, “I would sooner walk in the dark & hold hard to a promise of God, than to trust in the light of the brightest day that ever dawned”.
1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Faith is a deliberate commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can’t see the way ahead. My Utmost for His Highest
Consider too the many hymns and songs about God’s faithfulness.
- Great is Thy faithfulness. Thomas Obadiah Chisholm, William M. Runyan
- Do It Again. Mack Brock, Travis Cottrell.
- Yes And Amen. Chris Tomlin, Jesus Culture, Chris McClarney, Housefires.
- Great Things. Citipointe Worship.
- Faithfulness. Hillsong Worship.
- Never Once. Matt Redman.
- Faithful. Chris Tomlin.
- Which song or hymn would you add?
Characteristics of Faithfulness
- Loyalty
- Trustworthiness
- Steadfast Love
- Patience
- Commitment
From God’s perspective:
One of My names is Wonderful Counselor. I understand you far, far better than you understand yourself. So, come to Me with your problems and insecurities, seeking My counsel. In the Light of My loving Presence you can see yourself as you really are: radiantly lovely in My brilliant righteousness. Though My righteousness is perfect, you will continue to struggle with imperfections — yours and others’ — as long as you live in this world. Still, your standing with Me is secure. Nothing in all creation can separate you from My Love! **
A good counselor helps you recognize truth and live according to it. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. So be open and honest when you bring Me your concerns. Also, fill your mind and heart with My Word, which contains absolute truth. **
A wonderful counselor is not only extremely good at helping people but also able to inspire delight or pleasure. Delight yourself in Me, beloved, and I will give you the desires of your heart. **
Consider the following Bible verses; Isaiah 9:6; Romans 8:38–39; John 18:37; Psalm 37:4
Put your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee!
** Excerpt from and used with permission from Jesus Always, copyright by Sarah Young.
Meandering Moose 