Lean On Me

By Linda Berckmann

Last month I received a phone call from a family member who was struggling with a very challenging situation. I was quite fearful for him. After the call I attempted to pray but my thought kept getting pulled back to the problem. I lay awake all night, swinging back and forth between prayer, and trying to figure out what I could possibly do to fix what seemed like an unfixable situation. I felt helpless. It was a very fitful night. By morning I was exhausted.

As I was getting ready for work, the tears started flowing and I literally was down on my knees in sadness. I turned to God in desperation and asked, “Father, what can I do?”. In the clearest, most beautiful voice I have ever heard, God answered, “Lean on me”. In that moment, the burden of feeling a sense of responsibility to make it all okay, totally drained away. Fear was replaced with trust, and sorrow with joy! The remaining tears were cleansing tears of gratitude.

I finished getting ready for work, trusting God’s protective care of all involved. Within the hour I received a phone call that the situation was turning around dramatically. Within a couple of days, no remnants of the problem remained. In fact, things were better than ever!

This has been such a reminder to me to lean completely on God…always. Our Father-Mother is here, right now. “…and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever.” SH 578:17

PSALM XXIII

[Divine love] is my shepherd; I shall not want.

[Love] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: [love] leadeth me beside the still waters.

[Love] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense]: [love] leadeth 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 [love] is with me; [love’s] rod and [love’s] staff they comfort me.

[Love] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: [love] anointeth my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever.

(SH 578:4–18)