Leanin' Sides
God is always available to support us in our times of need, and He promises to steady us on every leaning side.
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of leaning on God for support in times of need, using the imagery of a believer leaning on their beloved in the wilderness. He highlights the concept of surrendering our burdens to God, trusting in His strength to uphold us on every side, and finding comfort in His loving embrace. Cowman encourages believers to lean hard on God, knowing that He is always near and willing to carry our burdens as His own.
Text
"Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?" (S. of Sol. 8:5).
Some one gained a good lesson from a Southern prayer meeting. A brother asked the Lord for various blessings--as you and I do, and thanked the Lord for many already received--as you and I do; but he closed with this unusual petition: "And, O Lord, support us! Yes support us Lord on every leanin' side!" Have you any leaning sides? This humble man's prayer pictures them in a new way and shows the Great Supporter in a new light also. He is always walking by the Christian, ready to extend His mighty arm and steady the weak one on "every leanin' side."
"Child of My love, lean hard,
And let Me feel the pressure of thy care;
I know thy burden, child. I shaped it;
Poised it in Mine Own hand; made no proportion
In its weight to thine unaided strength,
For even as I laid it on, I said,
'I shall be near, and while she leans on Me,
This burden shall be Mine, not hers;
So shall I keep My child within the circling arms
Of My Own love.' Here lay it down, nor fear
To impose it on a shoulder which upholds
the government of worlds. Yet closer come:
Thou art not near enough. I would embrace thy care;
So I might feel My child reposing on My breast.
Thou lovest Me? I knew it. Doubt not then;
But Loving Me, lean hard."
Sermon Outline
- The Great Supporter
- The Christian's Leaning Sides
- The Great Supporter's Promise
- He will steady the weak one on every leaning side
- He knows our burdens and will carry them for us
Key Quotes
“Child of My love, lean hard, And let Me feel the pressure of thy care;” — Charles E. Cowman
“I shall be near, and while she leans on Me, This burden shall be Mine, not hers;” — Charles E. Cowman
“Thou art not near enough. I would embrace thy care;” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Recognize your leaning sides and ask God to steady you in those areas.
- Trust God completely and rely on His strength and support in your life.
- Imose your burdens on God and let Him carry them for you.