Our “Backbone”

I was at a prayer meeting recently where one of the ladies declared:  “Lord, You are our backbone.”  It made me think.  When we think of someone as “having a backbone,” we normally consider their character, their courage and their firm resolve, as opposed to someone who is “spineless” and wishy-washy.  One with “backbone” does not back down under pressure and can not be manipulated.  Certainly the Lord can be said to have “backbone.”  His character is one of firm resolve.  He determines to keep His Word, and He does not change.

Physically, a backbone is the fundamental support system of an organism, the main source of support and stability.  We take for granted the stability provided by our spine, unless we have back problems.  Those dealing with back problems are very aware that nearly every activity is dependent upon the strength of the backbone.  Likewise, the Lord is our source of support and stability.  We have all learned that striving to serve in our own strength is worthless in the long run.

Yes, the Lord truly is our backbone.   The Bible expresses the same thought when it declares God as our “Rock,” our “Fortress” and an “Anchor.”  He is solid, unmoving, steadfast and reliable.  Our “Backbone” enables us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Cor. 15:58); to be  “steadfast and grounded and not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Col. 1:23).  We need to rely on our Heavenly “Backbone” so that we can say with the psalmist “I will not be moved!” (Psalm 62:6) and with Paul “None of these things move me!” (Acts 20:24).