Who Are You Leaning On?

(Isaiah 10:20 ESV) 20 In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms;

I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

It is a sad reality when people find themselves in bondage to their abusers. As a young pastor, I was called to the aid of a woman who was lying in the hospital having been attacked and beaten by her husband. The police report indicated he had used his fist to punch holes in the walls of their home. The bedroom doors had been destroyed as he violantly pursued his intended victim. The wife suffered broken bones, some of her hair had been pulled out in clumps, and her face was bruised and swollen from the beating. It was a terrible sight to behold. Even worse, was the sense of helplessness that she felt. When I recommended she seek shelter and protection, she indicated her intention was to return home and hope it wouldn’t happen again. After all, she said, “Where would I go? How would I live? I don’t even have a job. I’m totally dependant upon him.”

The Lord told Isaiah, “the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD…” 

Consider…

• The survivors – God assured Isaiah there would be a remnant of people to escape and survive. They would live another day! Listen, sometimes we have to push up our sleeves, dig in our feet, and fight for survival. There is no value in suffering without reason. It is one thing to suffer for the sake of Christ; it is another matter altogether to consistantly suffer at the hand of an abuser when freedom is available. Laws have been written that can and should be used when protection is needed.
• The leaners – Don’t be ashamed to lean! We all finding ourselves leaning at times. The important question is, “Who or what are you leaning on?” In this passage of scripture, God said, “the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them…” In other words, the survivors would be liberated from their abusers. No longer would they be in bondage to those who had taken advantage of them. Freedom would be theirs!
• The trusters –  While the english translation uses “lean” twice, the Hebrew language uses two words; one word describes “leaning” (le·hi·sha·’en) on the abuser and another word describes “leaning” (ve·nish·’an) on the Lord. The individual who leans on an abuser is depicted in a weakened state; unable to stand alone they develop an unstable dependency on an abuser, which ultimately produces negative consequences. The individual who leans on the Lord is strong even in their weakness; resting in a relationship with the deliverer that produces a positive resolution to a negative situation.

One closing thought. God told Isaiah that the basis for this hope is “truth.” One can never be free until they analyze their circumstances in the light of God’s word. He will never lead you astray. But, will always reveal everything necessary to guide you to victory! Who are you leaning on today?

PRAYER: I’m leaning upon you today, Lord. Thank You for being a deliverer I can count on. When I am weak, You are strong! Amen.