My Name is Paul ... and I Need a Crutch

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble.”  Psalm 9:9 

“Your God is a crutch!”  

Yes, he is!  A very capable, faithful and loving crutch!  He catches me when I fall, and when my hardened, steely self-will is overwhelmed and overcome, my God is there to support with open arms.  More than that, he rises up and comes to my rescue.  He upholds me with a strength infinitely greater than any I could gather.

What else should I do?  Where else would I go?  Should I, instead, turn away from him and indulge myself when times are “good”?  And when my “good” times turn “bad,” should my estranged heart turn bitter, as though God left me ... as though the consequences of my actions were his fault?  Or would I deny God's existence with rage and cynicism ironically intense for something that does not exist?

O my soul, be honest with yourself!  Be honest about yourself and before your God!  Your strength is no match for the powers of this world, but God is faithful and he forever holds you, secure as in the palm of his hand.  Look back on your life's journey and see that, at every turn, he was with you.  And know that, even though the world would oppress you, you will one day look upon this day and see that your God was no less present, no less faithful, no less worthy of your praise.

Yes, I need a crutch!  I need much more than a crutch.  My Crutch has become my life.  I do not merely lean on him; I live in him, and he lives in me.

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  Psalm 9:10