Today's message is an old one.  I felt I needed something which could more adequately describe not just my emotions but what many are feeling today.  In times where there are no answers our only recourse is to "Lean on Jesus!"  That is what we must do today!

“Leaning on Jesus”

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…lean not on your own understanding…” – Proverbs 3:4,5

“Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

Elisha A. Hoffman

We all know the influence that Charles and John Wesley had on their generation (and beyond, to this day) through their prolific production of great hymns. But did you know that John Wesley sought personal help and understanding of God through a German hymn writer named Gerhard Tersteegen?  It’s true. Tersteegen was a product of German Pietism of the 18th Century, which would make him a contemporary of the Wesleys.

             John Wesley traveled to the Rhine region of Germany in September, 1738. His contact with Gerhard Tersteegen led to his decision to translate a group of German hymns into English. Among them was a hymn written by Tersteegen—the first stanza of which reads as follows:

Thou hidden love of God, whose height, Whose depth unfathomed no man knows,

I see from far Thy beauteous light, Only I sigh for Thy repose;

My heart is pained, nor can it be; At rest, till it finds rest in Thee.

Though a bit stiff when compared to today’s contemporary Christian lyrics, the meaning is clear. There is rest in the arms of God. The psalmist understood it; the Wesleys understood it; Hoffman understood it. We can understand it too, and we can apply the truth of these hymns to our daily lives.

Though it is not thought of in terms of it’s “spiritual” significance, one of the most popular songs from the 1970’s has a message that continues to live on.  The song, “Lean on Me” has been covered by over 20 artists in various forms – even several Christian artists.  Here is a bit of the history behind the song that reminds us that “leaning” has a purpose!

Withers wrote "Lean on Me" based on his experiences growing up in a West Virginia coal mining town. Times were hard and when a neighbor needed something beyond their means, the rest of the community would chip in and help. He came up with the chord progression while fooling around on his new Wurlitzer electric piano. The sound of the chords reminded Withers of the hymns that he heard at church while he was growing up.  After playing the song for his pastor he was encouraged to find a way to have it recorded – which he would.  It would be the number one song in America for three weeks in 1972.  It is the only song to have reached number 1 by two different artists.  “Lean on Me" was also the title theme of a 1989 movie starring Morgan Freeman.  For those who may not know it, here are the lyrics.  As you read them, picture the Lord saying these words to us!

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain, We all have sorrow
But if we are wise, We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong-And I'll be your friend-I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long, 'Til I'm gonna need - Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride, If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs, That you don't let show

If there is a load you have to bear, That you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load, If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand - We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand - We all need somebody to lean on

The following is a possible prayer for today as we “Learn to Lean” on Jesus.  If John Wesley needed more – we need to go further as well.

Father God, I know the lyrics to “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” but I need to do more than to sing the words. I need to experience the reality. Situations around me tend to undermine faith. They mock my desire to be entirely yours. I try to beat my way out of the wilderness in which I find myself, but when I do it within my own strength and resources, I fail. Teach me today how to lean on you—really lean hard on you. If I understand anything about you, I understand that you want it that way too. So, on days when I’m not able to sing the lyrics, I’ll hum the tune. Thank you for supporting me in this effort. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.