Devotional: Whose Side Are You Leaning On?

Are you trying to do ministry all by yourself or are you trusting God with your ministry?

Some of my greatest memories in Kids Ministry occurred at Kids Camp during the summer. Even now, many of the songs we sang continue to stream through my mind. Two of my favorites were:

• “Whose Side Are You Leaning On?”
• “Lean on Me”

Both of these songs remind us of a pivotal truth in kids ministry: Your kids ministry will only become what God wants it to be when you are truly “leaning on Christ” for your strength and wisdom.

I can still see kids with extreme excitement singing, “Whose side are you leaning on? … I’m leaning on the Lord’s side!” as their bodies “leaned from side to side!” And, just as strongly, I can remember kids back-to-back leaning against each other as they sang, “Lean on Me … When You’re Not Strong.

Reflect on the words of Bill Wither’s song, Lean on Me (below) and Proverbs 3:5-6. Ask yourself this question: “How much of my ministry am I trusting to God and how much am I trying to do all by myself?

Lean On Me

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I\’ll be your friend, I\’ll help you carry on
For it won\’t be long
\’Til I\’m gonna need somebody to lean on

Please, swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won\’t let show

You 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

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I\’ll be your friend, I\’ll help you carry on
For it won\’t be long
\’Til I\’m gonna need somebody to lean on

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 ESV).