What It Means to Lean on Jesus
How do you ACTUALLY do this?
Life can be tough. That's just the way it is. So, when things get overwhelming, and you're looking for some comfort and support, people often say, "Hey, lean on Jesus." It's a phrase that's been passed down through generations of believers, and for good reason.
When you lean on Jesus, you're basically saying, "I can't do this on my own, but I know you've got my back."
It's like admitting you need help and knowing that help is always there. It's a bit like having a safety net, except this one is made of love, grace, and strength.
But, what does it truly mean to lean on Jesus?
Well, it’s not a quick fix.
When you lean on Jesus, It's not like waving a magic wand and suddenly everything's better. No, leaning on Jesus is more about trust, surrender, and walking together through life's ups and downs.
Leaning on Jesus means trusting Him completely. It's about having faith that He knows what's best for you, even when you can't see the big picture. It's like handing over the reins of your life and saying, "I trust you, Jesus. Lead the way."
This trust is rooted in passages like Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
This verse encourages us to trust God's wisdom over our own and to acknowledge His sovereignty in every aspect of our lives.
Additionally, leaning on Jesus involves surrendering our own will and desires to His. It means letting go of the need to control every outcome and instead allowing His perfect plan to unfold.
As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 16:24, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
This requires humility and a willingness to submit to His authority, even when it goes against our own desires.
Leaning on Jesus is about walking closely with Him day by day. It's about cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with Him through prayer, reading His Word, and spending time in His presence.
What does this look like?
Picture this…
You're facing a major decision at work that could potentially impact your career path. Instead of relying solely on your own understanding and feeling the weight of uncertainty, you choose to lean on Jesus.
You spend time in prayer, seeking His guidance and wisdom. As you surrender the decision into His hands, you feel a sense of peace wash over you, knowing that He is in control.
This doesn't mean the decision will be easy or without challenges, but you trust that Jesus will lead you on the right path, just as Proverbs 3:5-6 promises.
Or consider a situation where you're grappling with a personal struggle, whether it's a health issue, financial strain, or a broken relationship.
Instead of allowing fear and anxiety to consume you, you lean on Jesus for strength and comfort.
You cling to His promises, such as Isaiah 41:10, which assures you that He is with you, upholding you with His righteous right hand.
Through prayer and the support of your faith community, you find the courage to face each day with hope and resilience.
This impacts how we navigate EVERYTHING.
When conflicts arise or when we're faced with difficult people, we choose to follow Jesus' example of love and forgiveness. We lean on Him for the grace to extend kindness and compassion, even when it's challenging.
As Ephesians 4:32 encourages us, we forgive others as Christ forgave us, knowing that His love has the power to heal and reconcile even the deepest wounds.
Leaning on Jesus isn't just reserved for the tough times—It's a way of life. It's about finding joy and contentment in His presence amidst the mundane moments of daily living.
It's about seeking His guidance in the small decisions, expressing gratitude for His blessings, and finding purpose in serving others.
Leaning on Jesus in real life means integrating our faith into every aspect of our existence. It's not about putting on a show of religiosity but living authentically as His disciples, allowing His love to permeate every thought, word, and action.
So, whether you're facing a crisis or simply navigating the complexities of everyday life, remember to lean on Jesus.
He's always there, ready to walk alongside you, providing strength, comfort, and guidance every step of the way.
