It’s a Crutch

Psalms 46:1-3 - God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth shakes And the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

Has anyone ever told you that your religion is just a crutch? They say it in some accusatory, derogatory tone as if they are delivering an insulting slap to your face. In my mind it is NOT an insult that my faith in God is a crutch. Merriam-Webster defines a crutch as “a source or means of support or assistance that is relied on heavily or excessively.” How else could a believer describe their relationship with their Lord and Savior?

Yesterday, I read an article about the horrors that are going on in Shanghai. People are being forced to stay in their homes for weeks on end, not even allowed to go get necessities, surviving on government issued meals once a day. Yet those conditions are preferred to the quarantine centers that anyone with Covid is forcibly sequestered in for sometimes months at a time. These centers have thousands of people in one room, no showers, and the lights are never turned off. I read these articles and I thought this must be some appalling, dystopian horror movie. However, this is the reality of some of the Chinese people. It seems as if these terrifying incidents are coming more rapidly than I can remember in my lifetime. Each time I see this type of shocking event, my instant reaction is fear, but then my gentle, loving Savior reminds me that He is my crutch. God is my refuge. He is who I run to and shelter under when the world around me starts to fall into the sea.

I honestly do not know how those who do not have the privilege of having God as their crutch walk around in the world without constant fear and anxiety. I can only imagine the hopelessness that accompanies the absence of something to lean on or hide behind. Even as the world continues to fall into a cavern of evil and chaos, I can shelter within His wings and know that no matter what, He will be my shield.

I think that most people see a crutch as a negative thing. As if using a crutch makes you weak. My favorite scripture is in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s strength can truly pour out in our life when we humble ourselves and admit our weakness. So, the next time someone says to me, “Your religion is just a crutch,” I will reply with a smile and say, “Why, thank you very much. Yes, it is and I will lean on it excessively so I can live with the peace and strength that only Jesus can supply.” I’d rather look foolish to some, than even contemplate living without the overwhelming comfort and power my Father God provides.