Sometimes physical crutches are necessary. But what about the emotional crutches that we find ourselves using? All crutches are meant to be a support of one kind or another. We might ask ourselves which ones we need to give up for the sake of our well-being—body, soul, and spirit.
ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair
Crutches
After my knee gave out while climbing Honeymoon Bluff on the north shore of Minnesota, the EMTs whisked me to the hospital and a nurse in ER handed me a pair of crutches. For several days those crutches helped support me while walking.
My crutches made me feel like falling forward, however. They gave me sore arm and hand muscles. They made me feel off-balance. They tripped me up and anyone else in my way. Although imperfect, they were a good substitute and I’m thankful for their use.
Emotional crutches, however, are not always a good substitute. People who suffer from loneliness, anger, or bitterness often use the crutch of alcohol or drugs to cover their feelings. Others carry the crutch of criticism and a judgmental attitude to prop up their sense of low self-esteem. Still others spend money foolishly to mask their feelings of jealousy or to boost their ego.
We all need some kind of support at times: a parent or other family member, a mentor or teacher, friend, or spiritual leader. Our best support is always Jesus, the ultimate Someone on whom we can lean. As the Good Shepherd, He becomes our legs when we’re weak, our arms when we’re too tired to serve, our mouths when we don’t know what to say. He comforts us when we face a situation too big to handle. He protects us, leads and guides us, and provides for all our needs because He loves us like no other. Not like family, not like a friend, not like drugs or anything else we might try to hang onto. All He requires is our faith and obedience.
Christians are often accused of using their faith as a crutch because they’re “too weak to solve their own problems.” How true! The Bible tells us we’re like sheep that have gone astray. Perhaps God truly is our ultimate crutch—the One we can cling to and trust when we falter or fall.
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23)
Lord, thank You for guiding and restoring us, for being our provider and comforter. Cause us to be aware of Your strength and support whenever we falter or fall. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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