Lean on God

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Our reading, titled Lean on God, was written by Jasmine Go. While at a water park with some friends, we attempted to navigate a floating obstacle course made of inflatable platforms. The bouncy, slippery platforms made walking straight almost impossible. As we wobbled our way across ramps, cliffs, and bridges, we found ourselves yelping as we fell unceremoniously into the water. After completing one course, my friend, completely exhausted, leaned on one of the towers to catch her breath.

Almost immediately, it buckled under her weight, sending her hurtling into the water. Unlike the flimsy towers at the water park, in Bible times, a tower was a stronghold for defense and protection. Judges 9, 50-51 describes how the people of Thebes fled to a strong tower to hide from Abimelech's attack on their city. In Proverbs 18, 10, the writer used the image of a strong tower to describe who God is, the one who saves those who trust Him. Sometimes, however, rather than lean on the strong tower of God when we're tired or beaten down, we seek other things for safety and support, a career, relationships, or physical comforts. We're no different from the rich man who looked for strength in his wealth.

But just as the inflatable tower couldn't support my friend, these things can't give us what we really need. God, who's all-powerful and in control of all situations, provides true comfort and security. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Proverbs 18, verses 10-15.

That is folly and shame. The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear? The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Let's pray. Dear God, when we're exhausted and feel like we can't stand any longer, please help us to lean on you for comfort, for our security, and for rest. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. I'm Rachelle Traube, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.