“Lean on Me” is a song originally written by Bill Withers and popularized by The Beatles. Almost every generation of listeners can easily identify and sing along with it because of its catchy tune and resonating message.
Count it All Joy
The theme of the song is that we all have difficulties that cause us to lean on others and that when we are in healthier seasons of life, we need to support those who are weak because, “It won’t be long ‘til (we’re) going to need somebody to lean on.” We all recognize the truth in those words. Observation and experience confirm the reality that we will experience pain and trials as part of living in a fallen world.
The message of the song is fine, but what the Bible has to say is even better. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Counting trials as joy seems counter-intuitive, but it is repeated numerous times throughout scripture.
The Bible does not give us this message because it does not recognize the reality of pain. Instead, the Bible teaches that there are realities greater, deeper, and more profound than our sorrows. These realities have the power to change the big picture of life, even the trials we face.
The first reality is that the trials have already lost. Jesus promised, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We will face difficulties, but none that Jesus has not already overcome. Our pains do not have the final word, Jesus does.
Trials to Gold
In addition, we have the assurance that God will use our struggles for good. James 1:3-4 clearly delineates how God will use our trials for our benefit: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The trials give us opportunities to strengthen our faith, relationship with God, prayer life, and perseverance. They give us perspective to help us understand our human frailty and God’s divine authority. We gain a clearer, more complete understanding of ourselves, the world, God, and eternity. Like gold refined by fire, we are made more pure and precious through the trials we face.
There are many today who are struggling with sorrows: sickness, loss, broken relationships, our own sins or the sins of others. There are also those who are suffering persecution for their faith in Christ. Churches are being closed in Algeria, Christians in Nigeria are under attack, there is yet another crisis and conflict in Syria which has horrific impact for Christian and non-Christians alike. Throughout Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa persecution is increasing daily.
These are the realities of our time. However, we are promised in Deuteronomy 31:6, “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” Only in Jesus and through Jesus can trials be turned to gold, but in and through Him, they ALWAYS are.
As Lent commences on Ash Wednesday, we are entering a time of introspection and prayer leading to Easter. Let us reflect on the significance of death preceding resurrection, urging readers to embrace a daily practice of surrendering self in preparation for our spiritual transformation.