We All Need Somebody to Lean On

I recently joined an online support group for those with bipolar disorder. It’s been a blessing. I have met a lot of people who experience the same mental illness and they offer much insight and collective wisdom. But most of all, they are not crazy, which means I am not crazy. I know that may sound weird, but I wasn’t sure about it. Hearing their stories and their current struggles has given me hope that all will be okay if I just keep on doing what I am doing and stay on the medications.

I am also a part of a world wide support group known as the people of God. They, too, have much insight and collective wisdom, and I find fellowship with them. I rub elbows with them daily and even keep in contact by email and websites, just like my new found support site.

Just like I have been unsure at times about my sanity, there also have been times when I have wondered about my faith, my salvation. And just as I find support at the mental health website I have found, so too, I find support and encouragement among other Christians. None of us are meant to go it alone. We need each other’s support as we walk in this world. We are family joined together by the Spirit who makes us one with Christ.

One of the Psalms says how good it is for the people of God to dwell peacefully together. We were crafted for relationship with God and with each other. We are a band of brothers and sisters who pray for one another, and love unconditionally just as Christ loves us, no matter what. The old song, “we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord” rings true.

Whatever your burden, there are willing hands to help carry the load. We walk the same path. And even though we may have different struggles, we share the same weaknesses that required Jesus to bear the cross. That oneness before the cross makes us inseparable in this life and the next.

Bill Withers sang a song years ago: “Just call on me brother when you need a hand; we all need somebody to lean on. I just might have a problem that you’ll understand; we all need somebody to lean on.” As I lean on Christ, I also lean on my brothers and sisters, and they lean on me. We are there for each other. There is no better support group.