Upon What Crutch Do You Lean?
Father's Day comes after Mother's Day. -- That is so the bills for Mother's Day will arrive just in time for Father's Day!
A teacher asked her class: -- "If you had one dollar & asked your father for another -- how many dollars would you have?" Little Bobby raised his hand & answered: -- "One dollar." The teacher shook her head & said: -- "You don't know your math." Bobby replied: -- "You don't know my father."
With fatherhood comes great responsibility! The responsibilities of fatherhood are many. All that goes with being a father rests on the shoulders of the man who holds that position. -- It is a responsibility that never ends! There is the never ending struggle to "make ends meet." There is the feeling that you have to be strong & courageous. A father works hard to try to smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him.
A father gets very angry when the school grades aren't as good as he thinks they should be. -- So he scolds his son -- although he knows it's the teacher's fault. A father gives his daughter away to another man who is not nearly good enough -- so he can have grandchildren who are smarter then anybody's.
A father wants to appear strong -- & yet there are times when he feels so very weak -- so inadequate. The load of fatherhood weighs heavily upon his shoulders -- & even heavier upon his heart!
Fathers -- let me ask you an Important Question: -- What holds you together when all hell breaks loose around you? That is a question that can be asked of everyone here today -- fathers or mothers -- young or old -- married or single. When your world comes crushing in upon you; -- when your life just falls apart; -- what keeps you going?
When you are told at the job: -- "We are going to release you. -- We're downsizing; -- we no longer need your services." When your teenage daughter says to you: -- "I'm pregnant." When your spouse says: -- "I am no longer satisfied in this marriage." When your doctor looks you in the eyes & says: -- "There is nothing more we can do." What holds you together when all hell breaks loose around you? Upon what do you lean? -- Where do you turn? -- What is your crutch?
The Bible provides sound guidance in times of real crisis in the words of Proverbs 3:5-6. -- I spoke on this passage last week. -- I want to return to it again today. This is good advice for every father! -- This is good advice for everybody! "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, & lean not on your own understanding; -- In all your ways acknowledge Him, & He shall direct your paths."
The word "lean" in these verses captures my attention. "Lean not"-- lean not on your own understanding.
It happened again this week. -- I said, "Lord, I just don't understand. The pieces of the puzzle just don't fit together." But the wise Proverb writer says: -- "Trust in the Lord; -- lean not on your own understanding." When you need a compass to find your way. When you're on a stormy sea of emotions. What light house shows you where to find the shore? Upon what do you lean? -- Upon what do you depend?
There are some very common crutches upon which people often lean. When they are really up against it -- they find some kind of crutch. There is the crutch of Substance Abuse. When their nerves begin to bother them -- they lite up a cigarette. The nicotine habit is one of the hardest there is to brake. When things go wrong -- some people attempt to drown their pain away with alcohol. -- When the pressure is on -- some try to get high on drugs. There is the crutch of Escapism. Some do it emotionally; -- they deny the horror of what has happened. Others literally run in physical ways; -- a different job -- a different town -- a different environment. But remember: -- "Wherever you go -- there you are!" There is the crutch of Cynicism. They look on the dark side of life -- & they grow dark within; -- they become resentful & bitter; -- they seek revenge; -- the whole world is wrong; -- everyone else is out of step; -- they become critical -- faultfinding -- no one can do right! Popular though these crutches may be -- they do not provide ultimate satisfaction. -- They leave us more desperately confused! Again I ask you this morning: -- What holds you together when all hell breaks loose around you? For times of crises & confusion -- the Bible says: -- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, & lean not on your own understanding; -- In all your ways acknowledge Him, & He shall direct your paths."
If we can not lean on your own understanding -- than upon what shall we lean? -- Let me suggest what we can lean upon -- in all the bitter experiences of life.
1. Lean Upon His Word!
Psalm 119:105 says: -- "Your word is a lamp to my feet, & a light for my path" (NIV). The Bible is the resting place of our cares -- our worries -- our griefs -- our tragedies -- our sorrows -- & even our surprises! God's Word is the answer to our question -- the end of our search. It provides the solid foundation upon which we can lean! It gives us sure footing when we are surrounded by a swamp of uncertainty.
In God's Word we discover His opinion -- His counsel -- His commands -- His desires -- His warnings -- His very mind -- His will for us. God's Word provides comfort & help & wisdom & hope. It is a road map that leads us through the pit falls of life.
If I had one wish -- it would be that God's people would rediscover God's Holy Word! Meditate upon it; -- dwell upon its meaning, its message. Let it saturate your mind & your heart!
While the Bible is not simplistic -- it is simple. It is the simple truth that holds you together in the most complex situations!
A fascinating story comes out of the 1989 earthquake that almost flattened the country of
Remembering that his son's classroom was in the back right corner of the building -- the father rushed there & started digging through the rubble. As he was digging -- other grieving parents arrived -- clutching their hearts, & saying: -- "Oh, my son! -- My daughter!" They tried to pull the father off of what was left of the school, saying: -- "It's too late! -- They're all dead! -- You can't help! -- Go on home!" Even a police officer & a fire-fighter told him he should go home. To everyone who tried to stop him, he said: -- "Are you going to help me?" -- They did not answer him -- & he continued digging -- searching for his son stone by stone.
He needed to know for himself: -- "Is my boy alive -- or is he dead?" This man dug for 8 hours -- & then 20 -- & then 24 -- & then 36 hours. Finally in the 38th hour -- as he pulled back a boulder -- he heard his son's voice. -- He screamed his son's name -- "ARMAND!" -- & a voice answered him, "Dad? -- Its me Dad!" Then the boy added these priceless words: -- "I told the other kids not to worry. -- I told 'em that if you were alive -- you'd save me -- & when you saved me -- they'd be saved too. -- You promised me that 'No matter what' -- you said 'I'll always be there for me!' -- And here you are Dad. -- You kept your promise!"
My dear friend -- our Heaven Father will always keep His promises; -- His Word can be trusted. In His Word you will find comfort & strength & courage! So lean upon His Holy & precious Word!
2. Lean Upon His Church!
The Hebrew writer says: -- "Forsake not the assembling of ourselves together" (10:25). As Christians in the Body of Christ -- let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love & helping one another -- not avoiding the place of worship as some people do.
I know the church has its imperfections -- but in spite of its short comings -- the church is still the best place on earth! If you want to join a church with no problems -- my friends, don't -- for you'll ruin it. -- If you ever succeed in finding a perfect church -- don't join it -- for when you join it -- it won't be perfect any longer.
In spite of all the imperfections within the Body of Christ -- when your world comes crushing in around you -- don't turn from the church -- turn to the church. Crisis do come into our lives: -- some turn from the church -- others turn to the church. Divorce happens: -- some turn from the church -- others turn to the church. Addictions occur: -- some turn from the church -- others turn to the church. Disappointments come our way: -- some turn from the church -- others turn to the church. -- My friends -- Turn to the church!
In the church we find fellowship -- comfort -- support -- & a loving caring family. -- Stay with the Church! -- Stay with the Church! Some churches have become centers of condemnation -- but the church ought to be a place of love & encouragement! The church ought to be a hospital where sick hurting hearts can find healing. -- If we ever need the church -- it is when trouble comes our way.
There is an important message in this for all of us who make up the church! We who are part of the church should offer love & support to those who hurt -- not guilt & condemnation! When those around us have fallen -- don't step on them! -- Don't look down your nose at them; -- instead, love them, pray for them, offer them a helping hand. If ever they need a helping hand -- its when they are down! Don't kill them off with "friendly fire"; -- there are too many tragedies as there is!
Here are some questions to be considered: -- What if the church were full of people who were loving & safe -- willing to walk alongside people who struggle? What if there were people in the church who kept confidences -- who took the time to be Jesus to those who struggle? What if the church were what God intended it to be? What if broken people could safely do what James said: -- "Confess your sins to one another & pray for each other that you may be healed"? I know -- oh, how I know -- there are a whole lot of people who have been hurt deeply by the church -- or by those within the church. Pain suffered by a Christian at the hands of another believer is one of the most destructive experiences anyone will ever know. Many such people never recover! -- It is so sad!
And yet -- if it is of any comfort to you -- remember that the One Person Who was hurt the most by the church -- was none other than our Lord Jesus Himself! -- They crucified Him! Still -- Christ loved the church -- & gave Himself for it; -- that He might sanctify & cleanse it with water through His Word -- & to present it to Himself a glorious church -- not having spot, or wrinkle -- or any such thing; -- but that it should be holy & without blemish (See Eph. 5:25-28). What are you willing to do for the church -- inspite of disappointments? Don't abandon the church! -- Turn to the church & make it an even better place; -- a place of healing & support & encouragement. One of the weaknesses of the church today -- is the lack of godly fathers within the church fellowship! -- May we improve on that!
I read of a father who was in his study reading -- when he heard a commotion outside his window. It was his daughter playing with her friends. -- It got louder & louder -- & more heated & more argumentative -- until finally the father could restrain himself no longer. He pushed open the window & said: -- "Stop it! -- Honey, what's wrong?" After the reprimand, she responded quickly: -- "But, Daddy, we were just playing church."
We laugh! -- And then we cry -- & we pray that God will help us to be a more loving healing ministry. Let's be the church in this Valley -- that provides love & encouragement! And when your world comes crushing in upon you -- don't turn from the church -- lean upon the church for support & healing!
3. Lean Upon His Son!
Jesus said: -- "Come to me, all you who are weary & burdened -- & I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28 NIV).
My dear friends -- the most important message I can give you when trouble comes is -- turn to Jesus! Give Him your all! -- Discover His peace! -- Experience His comfort! He is a true Friend! -- He can comfort you! -- He can strengthen you! While I encourage you to lean upon His Word -- no amount of Bible reading will serve as a substitute for a real personal experience in Christ. I have known people who could quote the Bible from cover-to-cover -- who still did not know the Lord in saving grace. And while I encourage you to lean upon the Church -- no amount of church attendance will substitute for a real personal experience in Christ! I have known people who never missed a Sunday -- who had perfect attendance for years -- but still did not know Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for knowing Jesus in your heart! Lean on Him! -- Discover His grace; -- His saving grace, His keeping grace, His sustaining grace, His enabling grace, His all sufficient grace.
I love that little chorus – Learning to Lean.
Learning to lean, -- Learning to lean;
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Finding more power than I'd ever dream;
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Sad, broken hearted, -- so often I've knelt,
And I've found God's peace so serene;
And all that He asks is a child-like trust.
And a heart that is learning to lean on Jesus.
At the 1988 Republican Convention, held in
Have you made that wonderful discovery? -- Don't wait until crisis come; -- do so today! -- Do so even this very moment. And when your world comes crushing in around you -- then be sure you lean upon the Lord!
Conclusion: -- Fathers -- mothers -- friends everywhere -- I return to the question I asked in the beginning: -- "What holds you together when all hell breaks loose around you?"
When you're cornered -- when you're forced to face reality -- upon what do you lean? -- What is your crutch? -- To where do you turn?
In moments of crisis -- where do you turn? -- To your friends? -- To your family? -- To your investment counselor? -- To yourself? Do you lean upon your own understanding? -- Do you use the crutch of substance abuse? -- the crutch of escapism? -- the crutch of cynicism? The answer to that question will in large measure determine how well you handle the crisis.
If you turn to yourself -- you'll find that you run out of wisdom & strength long before you run out of problem. Put your trust in other people -- & you will quickly learn their resources are just as limited as your own. To put your trust in human resources is to lean on a shaky crutch indeed. -- But it's always safe to lean on the Lord!
When man "lean on his own understanding" -- when he lives by his own strength -- when he boasts of probing the depths of the sea -- or the secrets of outer space -- he forgets God -- & claims he is his own master. -- The result is untold suffering! But to "trust in the Lord with all your heart" -- is a mark of strength! And it is the only path to happiness, to success & true fulfillment.
When the crisis of life come your way -- & sooner or later they will -- in those times -- lean upon His Word -- lean upon His Church -- lean upon His Son, Jesus Christ!
May I give you an assignment? On an index card -- write these words from Proverb 3:5-6 -- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, & lean not on your own understanding; -- In all your ways acknowledge Him, & He shall direct your paths." Carry your "crisis card" with you throughout the day; -- pull it out & read it often. -- And record on the back any special ways that God answers your prayer for confidence in the midst of your problem.
You'll find that Jesus is the Christ for every crisis! Jesus Christ is not a crutch; -- He is the very ground to walk upon!
Pastor Lyle W. Pettit -- Wynne Chapel -- Cochise, AZ
www.wynnechapel.org