LEARNING TO LEAN

          We all know that the phrase "lean on" means to rest for support on something.  We've all done it physically and even emotionally.  For those of us who are getting older, we may reach a point that we need to lean upon a cane or even a walker.  Of course, it is important that the object you lean upon is stable and can support you.  Otherwise leaning on that might be dangerous.  And we seniors also reach a point where we often need to lean upon others to help us complete necessary tasks that at one time we could so  ourselves.  Then it is important that we have a reliable and trustworthy helper to lean upon.  But we don't need to be a senior to need someone to lean upon.  The challenges of life can be difficult at any age and we need the help of someone who is reliable, trustworthy and able to bear our needs. Unfortunately, too many turn to the wrong things or the wrong persons to lean upon.  Hopefully you've learned that the only One capable and willing to bear your load is Jesus.  And, hopefully, you are learning daily to lean upon Him and are experiencing the wisdom, love, guidance, peace and power which He alone can provide for those who trust Him.  This must have been the experience of John Stallings as he penned these words in 1980.  Stallings sang at age 6 at Soldier's Field in Chicago at a Gypsy Smith revival and he started preaching at the age of 16. He is a veteran Pastor/ Evangelist who has been called by many one of the greatest living Southern Gospel composers.  This particular song of his won Nashville's prestigious Dove award in 1977.   Incidentally he still writes a regular blog today (http://johnstallings.blogspot.com/).  What a comfort to know that there is One who we can lean upon and He wants to help us with all the details of our lives.  Why then do we fret or worry when He is always there for us?  Let's trust Him this week to do what He has promised.  "I'm learning to lean on Jesus."

1.     The joy I cant explain filled my soul

The day I made Jesus my king.

His Blessed Holy Spirit is leading my way,

He's teaching and I'm learning to lean.

Learning to lean, 

Learning to lean,

I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Finding more power than I've ever dreamed,

I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

2.     Sad broken hearted, at an alter I knelt.

I found peace that was so serene.

And all that He asks is a child like trust,

And a heart that is learning to lean

Learning to lean, 

Learning to lean,

I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Finding more power than I've ever dreamed,

I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

3.     There's a glorious victory, each day now for me.

I've found peace so serene.

He helps me with each task, If I'll only ask.

Everyday now I'm learning to lean.

Learning to lean, 

Learning to lean,

I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Finding more power than I've ever dreamed,

I'm learning to lean on Jesus.

Listen to it here.   LISTEN 1

Here is another one with some historical information about this song.  LISTEN 2