Years ago, I stepped off a curb without paying attention and sprained my ankle. It was painful, but I was thankful I didn’t break any bones. However, I had to use crutches for a week. They helped, but they were never meant to be a permanent fix. Their purpose was to assist me in getting around for a short period of time while my ankle healed.

We all have potential crutches in our lives – things or people we lean on for support instead of the Lord. Some potential crutches that can take our focus off Him are people and relationships, abilities, strengths, position, success. God does put people in our lives to support us and come alongside us when we’re limping along or need some extra strength. But they should never replace our dependence on the One who constantly upholds us and strengthens us – Jesus Christ.

He is the One we should lean on when we’re hurting, wounded, weak, weary. And He may choose to bring people alongside us, but we should look to Him first.

Meditate on these truths from God’s Word today. He is the One who upholds us and strengthens us.

Deuteronomy 33:27 – “The eternal God is a dwelling place (refuge), and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Psalm 37:23-24 – The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the LORD is the One who holds his hand (who sustains him with His hand).”

Isaiah 40:28-31 – “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary.”

Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Just reading these words strengthens me today. I am in the middle of a crazy, whirlwind season of life and asking God, “How am I going to get everything done? I can’t do it.” And He gently reminds me, “No, you can’t. But I can. Lean on me.”

Whom or what are you leaning on today for strength and support?