When We Need Something to Lean On

When We Need Something to Lean On

There are times when faith does not feel like certainty. The way ahead may be unclear, the journey tiring, and our own strength simply not enough. At such times, prayer may be less about finding the right words and more about discovering somewhere — or Someone — on whom we can rest.

The poems Leaning Post and Trust, written by Joy Tobler speak honestly of this experience. They remind us that prayer can begin with acknowledging our weariness: Lord, I need a leaning-post.

We do not always need to explain ourselves to God, solve our problems, or find the right words. Sometimes we simply need to arrive as we are — weary, hopeful, frightened, grateful, or empty — and allow ourselves to rest in God's presence.

And perhaps trust is not the absence of uncertainty, but the quiet decision to lean our weight somewhere beyond ourselves.

For anyone who finds themselves needing a place to lean today, these poems offer a gentle invitation: rest awhile, breathe, and trust that you do not have to carry everything alone.

“Will You be my leaning-post, Lord?”

LEANING POST

Lord, I need a leaning-post!

I have a walking stick;

and often find I lean my head

on my folded arms; but

I need something to lean on

when I’m up and about but

 
exhausted, trembling,

worn out, hurting all over,

feeling I can’t go on anymore –

just needing something to lean upon,

to rest awhile, to catch my breath

and pull up the will to carry on.


There are people who would

come alongside, willing to help;

but Lord, I fear I would be

too heavy a burden for them

if I truly leant all my weight

on them.


But You, Lord, are the Rock:

immovable, mighty, faithful.

Will You be my leaning-post, Lord?

And as I rest more and more on You,

will You imbue me with more and more

of Your strength, Your grace, Your will?

Then I will know Your peace

and Your deep joy.

  Joy Tobler

 TRUST

 Lord, the way ahead is full of dark clouds,

     but Your light is shining through –

          so I have hope about the future.

Lord, the way ahead seems cold and frozen,

     but Your warmth can melt the ice –

          so I have no fear going ahead.

Lord, the wind is raging all around,

     but Your immutability can still the storm –

          so I can rest in Your calm.

Lord, the day is brilliantly sunny,

     and Your glory shines through everything –

          so I am at peace in Your love.

  Joy Tobler