A buttress is ‘a structure of stone or brick built against a wall to support it; a source of defence or support.’
Some buttresses are very elaborate, especially those known as ‘flying buttresses’ which slant from a separate column, typically forming an arch with the wall it supports:
The verb ‘to buttress’ means to increase the strength of something or someone by means of a buttress and figuratively is often used to mean a strengthening support, such as that which God gives to us. A similar idea is found in the phrase ‘to shore up’, where something is propped up by means of a beam or timber that is propped against a structure to provide support.
I have been reading Psalm 89 this week, a long psalm (52 verses) which covers many moods. Eugene Peterson says ‘the psalm as a whole is a study in proportions’, ranging as it does from intense complaint (Ps 89:38-51) to a steadfast witness to God’s promise and His faithfulness and reliability (Ps 89:1-37, Ps 89:52). He says ‘thirteen verses of trouble are buttressed by thirty-nine verses of trust. Devotion offers both trust and trouble to the God brings final blessing in Jesus Christ.’ (‘Praying With the Psalms’)
Very often, we feel shaken and confused by events in our lives, but we need to remind ourselves of God’s promises, character and faithfulness during those times: ‘in the silence You won’t let go/ In the questions Your truth will hold.’ (‘My Lighthouse’, Rend Collective) God becomes our means of support. Interestingly, Paul tells Timothy that the church is ‘the pillar and foundation of the truth’ (1 Tim 3:15), with the word ‘pillar’ having a similar meaning to ‘buttress’. As we gather together in worship, we are reminded of unshakeable truths and are supported and strengthened.