Lean on Jesus...

blackribbon

Not a newbie
Dec 18, 2011
13,388
6,674
✟190,401.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Everyone keeps saying to "lean on Jesus"....what does that really mean to those who recommend it?

Does it have a "real" feel of some sort? Maybe I am missing something.

I know how to depend and trust God to provide. I know how to pray...and sometimes even listen. I read my Bible ... not just verses but read it for the big story and try to understand what God is wanting us to understand.

I am not so great about going to church regularly...I like it but it can be an extremely lonely place to go alone. I also don't have the energy to pretend to be happy all the time anymore. That "perfect Christian" mask doesn't fit.

Are there people out there who actually feel something tangible and physical...or have times when God regularly washes all their sadness and loneliness and frustrations away?

I have felt carried at times...and even had times where an amazing unexplainable peace has just washed over me in times of extreme grief or trauma ...but that isn't the normal experience for me when facing life's hardships.

There have been days in my life...or months...where what I wanted most was just someone to physically lean on for a few minutes...accompanied by a hug might have been nice but not necessary. I was almost to the point of asking a male friend to just stand there and let me lean on him for a few minutes but was afraid that he would think I was hitting on him. It gets tiring standing alone all the time.

What does it feel like to lean on Jesus? Is it something 'real' or is it just flowery words that really means "just trust God". Am I missing out on something that I so desperately need?
 

blackribbon

Not a newbie
Dec 18, 2011
13,388
6,674
✟190,401.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
When I say that I long for someone to physically lean on...."lean on Jesus" is the answer that many people respond like that is the answer to the lack of human touch in my life.

It feels so trite when offered because it implies that desire to have a close human friendship implies that I don't have a solid relationship with God...or if I just "lean on Jesus", I wouldn't need physical contact anymore.
 
Upvote 0

bluedart

Regular Member
Jul 5, 2005
197
10
51
Northern California
Visit site
✟385.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
God touches us through people. The church is supposed to be his hand and feet. Seeking healthy people who can give you a hug or talk to you on the phone when you need support is totally healthy and a very godly thing to be doing. I think that this would count as leaning on Jesus (as well as other things you mentioned, trusting, praying, etc.) because this in one of the ways that he offers us support.

When you lean on someone in a healthy way you feel better. God is there. The Bible says where two or three are gathered I am there. As long as the person doesn't take the place of God but is a conduit.
 
Upvote 0

dayhiker

Mature veteran
Sep 13, 2006
15,557
5,287
MA
✟220,067.00
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
In Relationship
Politics
US-Others
black ... I think you understand leaning on Jesus pretty good. I look at a number of those metaphors we use to be about the same thing, some are more meaningful depending on our past.

I used to say and sing all we need is Jesus. But I have really come over the years to see that while God could meet all our needs that's not what he wants. That's why God left Adam with a need that he didn't find fulfilled till God created Eve. I suspect if Adam's story was expanded that Eve felt a need till she had children.
As we read thru the NT there are a whole bunch of love one another, comfort one another, encourage one another ... I think its almost 20 of them. I was part of the shepherding movement back in the 70's. There was some good things about it, but it wasn't about being friends it had an agenda of helping us mature in Christ. But I've come too see that what most of us want is a friend or 10, maybe even 20. Someone we can talk to, that we can hug, that accepts us for who God created us to be, no mask, no agenda that I have to produce, accomplish and meet some deadline. Its really amazing me how much growth happens when I'm just friends with people. How meaningful hugs are that last as long as the other person is comfortable with. How validating we I listen to people and accept what they say and don't then tell them this is what you need to do. How encouraged they are when I open my soul and tell them what is going on inside and they know that I'll accept them of they open their heart as well. It has been taking hours of my week, sometimes a whole weekend. While I don't get stuff done on my house I want to get done, the love that can be felt and experienced is amazing.
Maybe all the agenda on my youth was needed to get me hear, but I sure wish I'd figured this out earlier.
 
Upvote 0

TheyCallMeDavid

Well-Known Member
May 13, 2013
3,301
99
69
Florida
✟4,108.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Everyone keeps saying to "lean on Jesus"....what does that really mean to those who recommend it?

Does it have a "real" feel of some sort? Maybe I am missing something.

I know how to depend and trust God to provide. I know how to pray...and sometimes even listen. I read my Bible ... not just verses but read it for the big story and try to understand what God is wanting us to understand.

I am not so great about going to church regularly...I like it but it can be an extremely lonely place to go alone. I also don't have the energy to pretend to be happy all the time anymore. That "perfect Christian" mask doesn't fit.

Are there people out there who actually feel something tangible and physical...or have times when God regularly washes all their sadness and loneliness and frustrations away?

I have felt carried at times...and even had times where an amazing unexplainable peace has just washed over me in times of extreme grief or trauma ...but that isn't the normal experience for me when facing life's hardships.

There have been days in my life...or months...where what I wanted most was just someone to physically lean on for a few minutes...accompanied by a hug might have been nice but not necessary. I was almost to the point of asking a male friend to just stand there and let me lean on him for a few minutes but was afraid that he would think I was hitting on him. It gets tiring standing alone all the time.

What does it feel like to lean on Jesus? Is it something 'real' or is it just flowery words that really means "just trust God". Am I missing out on something that I so desperately need?

To me, the term 'Lean on Jesus' represents the next deeper phase a Christian can experience in a personal relationship with him . It goes beyond a knowledge of Christ as Savior and Creator , and moves into the trust phase where you ,by choice , depend on him for guidance / emotional or physical or spiritual healing / when adversity comes your way in life / its means conversing with him and sharing your deepest concerns, joys, troubles, etc., / and it means inviting him to be a part of your entire life day by day . It is moving into the deepest part of a personal relationship with him which is where he wants us to be ; to the Christian Cynic he would see this as 'a crutch' and weak ....but they simply don't understand ; to the Christ Lover and Follower it is a place of great comfort, peace , solitude with our Creator, and walk that is second to none . It is in fact, what our very purpose and meaning is in this life : To know, love, experience God and enjoy him forever using our Heart, Mind, and Soul ---- the entire Enchalada so to speak !

Did this resonate with you B.R. ???
 
Upvote 0

miss-a

Newbie
Jul 12, 2009
4,325
818
Snowy Northeast
✟35,831.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
If you asked A.W. Tozer your question, black, he would say that from what you describe, yes, you are missing out currently but that you can attain it. I am currently reading his book The Pursuit of God which is on the topic of seeing and knowing God as real or more real than we know and experience any earthly thing. I don't currently experience that, but I know I need it. And based on Hebrews which says God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, I now understand that He is the Reward, so I'm determined to learn how to diligently seek Him. The book is helping me. I'm reading and re-reading it and talking with the Lord all the while, pointing to certain phrases and saying things like, "I want that. Please do that in me."

Because honestly, when it gets down to it, though it was easy for me on Christmas Eve night to look at all the people with families and material wealth, and big family gatherings to attend, etc., and think they had something I don't; in reality, I suspect if I had all those things there would still be a deep, inner longing and pain, an inward call for my real True Love, for intimacy with God to be all it truly can be. And though I don't know exactly how to do it, or what my part is in it, I aim to lay hold of it.

I have a certain level of intimacy with Jesus, enough so when I spoke with Him yesterday, I did hear Him speak to my heart and tell me that some of the closeness I want to feel with Him is being masked by tiredness. And of course the reasons I get tired are always linked to overdoing which is always born of a weakness of faith and a feeling that I need to keep all my bases covered and do more. So I do know that a portion of my role in this relationship currently is to step out in faith by allowing myself to do less. One of my favorite verses is from Psalm 16, "O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup. You maintain my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. Surely, I have a good inheritance." So I've got to trust Him to maintain my lot while I cool my jets and live a more restful lifestyle.

I'm not sure if any of that helps, but the book is on Amazon for a penny plus shipping. Tozer states it much better than I.

So all that to say, yes, we can have a deep, personal, inwardly tangible relationship with Jesus, and that would allow us to lean on Him the way we desire and need to.

Blessings,
a
 
Upvote 0

Doctor Strangelove

Senior Member
Oct 5, 2012
1,097
55
United States
✟16,773.00
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Others
When I say that I long for someone to physically lean on...."lean on Jesus" is the answer that many people respond like that is the answer to the lack of human touch in my life.

It feels so trite when offered because it implies that desire to have a close human friendship implies that I don't have a solid relationship with God...or if I just "lean on Jesus", I wouldn't need physical contact anymore.

But we are to be "spiritual giants," without a need or care in the world if we are really "saved"...

Oh, I'm not saying anyone here is saying that. But I do think there is a sort of religion that glosses over the real struggles in life and often beats people up for not being "spiritual" enough, when they are actually being strong and bravely dealing with things - but they are still flesh and blood and not unmovable like a stone statue, and this falls short of some people's ideal of stone-like but lifeless perfection. I am not saying anyone here is doing that - but it is a very strong part of our churchianity and I am sick of it.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

blackribbon

Not a newbie
Dec 18, 2011
13,388
6,674
✟190,401.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Miss-a, I really won't have time to read a non-nursing book once school starts back up in a week. I do try to read the Bible and that is about it. Can you give me some Bible references that would be related to what you are reading?

To the rest of you, I have always thought that "leaning" was a mental and relationship thing...but I have had multiple people "encouraging" me that would solve all my problems and even had me doubting my relationship with God. I may need to address some areas of my relationship but I also don't believe that I am out-of-touch as people have made me feel.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

TheyCallMeDavid

Well-Known Member
May 13, 2013
3,301
99
69
Florida
✟4,108.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
....................

To the rest of you, I have always thought that "leaning" was a mental and relationship thing...but I have had multiple people "encouraging" me that would solve all my problems and even had me doubting my relationship with God. I may need to address some areas of my relationship but I also don't believe that I am out-of-touch as people have made me feel.

'Leaning' on Christ, is really nothing more than going deeper with him in your relationship ; it involves a deeper trust, a deeper reliance on, a deeper surrender of Self to his control and guidance, a deeper sensitivity to his promptings that come to you, and a deeper desire to live for him outwardly. Also, a deeper desire and action steps in spending more alone time with Christ . A greater connected-ness . These are things all of us can and should do no matter where we are on our Christ Journey , for, we don't 'arrive' until we we reach glorification (Heaven) .
 
Upvote 0

blackribbon

Not a newbie
Dec 18, 2011
13,388
6,674
✟190,401.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
'Leaning' on Christ, is really nothing more than going deeper with him in your relationship ; it involves a deeper trust, a deeper reliance on, a deeper surrender of Self to his control and guidance, a deeper sensitivity to his promptings that come to you, and a deeper desire to live for him outwardly. Also, a deeper desire and action steps in spending more alone time with Christ . A greater connected-ness . These are things all of us can and should do no matter where we are on our Christ Journey , for, we don't 'arrive' until we we reach glorification (Heaven) .

I don't know if I agree with the "alone" time because Jesus tells us to go out and be a light to the world. We are to love people not to separate from people. It is through us that non-Christians get to meet Christ.

Maybe this is just relative though..and aimed at people who don't spend much alone time with God.
 
Upvote 0

miss-a

Newbie
Jul 12, 2009
4,325
818
Snowy Northeast
✟35,831.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Single
Ps 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks , so my soul longs after You, O God.

Ps 63:8 My soul follows hard after You; Your right hand upholds me.

Matt 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Ps 43: O taste and see that the Lord is good.

Ps 139 Where shall I go from Your Spirit. Where shall I flee from Your presence.

These are a few of the verses he uses. I think the book and his insights are very helpful. Maybe you could look at it on Amazon, use the Look Inside feature to read some of the book before purchasing it and see if the concepts sound like what you are desiring. If so, maybe you could get the book and use it during your Bible reading time.
 
Upvote 0

blackribbon

Not a newbie
Dec 18, 2011
13,388
6,674
✟190,401.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
I might buy it and put it away, but I don't have time to read it for 4 more months...(plus however long it takes to take my licensing exam.) There isn't enough time to read the assigned reading even. However, I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But thank you for the verses.
 
Upvote 0

TheyCallMeDavid

Well-Known Member
May 13, 2013
3,301
99
69
Florida
✟4,108.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I don't know if I agree with the "alone" time because Jesus tells us to go out and be a light to the world. We are to love people not to separate from people. It is through us that non-Christians get to meet Christ.

Maybe this is just relative though..and aimed at people who don't spend much alone time with God.

I meant alone time with HIM. We are often too busy to sit and try to commune with God due to distractions, an inappropriate environment, noise, time commitments, etc... Im all for spending a lot of time rubbing shoulders with people in our little world to be a Light.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

blackribbon

Not a newbie
Dec 18, 2011
13,388
6,674
✟190,401.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Black ... So glad your getting that close to getting done your course of study.

Me too. Though graduation will just mean I move to the first job that I have been told will probably leave me crying out of frustration and considering changing professions for about a year. At least I know to expect that to be normal.

Follow that with enrolling in more school because I will need more degrees to move up in my field. ;)
 
Upvote 0

blackribbon

Not a newbie
Dec 18, 2011
13,388
6,674
✟190,401.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
I meant alone time with HIM. We are often too busy to sit and try to commune with God due to distractions, an inappropriate environment, noise, time commitments, etc... Im all for spending a lot of time rubbing shoulders with people in our little world to be a Light.

My favorite "alone time" is in the car. Guaranteed minimum of at least an hour every day. I can't answer my phone and nobody can find me to distract me. I have been know to just hop on a freeway and drive to get this.
 
Upvote 0

memoriesbymichelle

Senior Veteran
Jun 8, 2007
10,211
931
64
Arizona
✟22,350.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Politics
US-Republican
But we are to be "spiritual giants," without a need or care in the world if we are really "saved"...

Oh, I'm not saying anyone here is saying that. But I do think there is a sort of religion that glosses over the real struggles in life and often beats people up for not being "spiritual" enough, when they are actually being strong and bravely dealing with things - but they are still flesh and blood and not unmovable like a stone statue, and this falls short of some people's ideal of stone-like but lifeless perfection. I am not saying anyone here is doing that - but it is a very strong part of our churchianity and I am sick of it.

I'm sick of it too Dr. I log them in with the folks that want Jesus to be my husband and my lover. He is my God, my Lord, and my Redeemer, but I don't think of Him as a lover or a husband like I had.

I think the people that say this, don't really know what they mean by it either. I think they just don't know what to say, so they say cute little sayings that "seem" appropriate. Next time someone says that to you, I dare you to ask them exactly what they mean by that LOL.

I think you have "leaning on Jesus" down pat. I think you live your life depending on Jesus the best you can, and YES you are human and sometimes we just need to vent, and God of all people (relative term) knows and understands this better than any of us.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums