A dear friend of mine recently described her elderly parent as being dependent on her in many aspects and yet struggling to keep his independence. Webster’s defines the word dependence as the state of relying on or needing someone or something for aid. It simply means reliance, confidence or trust. It led me to ask myself a question- does my heavenly father’s steadfastness and reliability ensure my sole dependence on Him?
Lamentations 3:25 says The Lord is Good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.
It is human nature to rely on our own strength and seek our own solutions to the problems we face. We are groomed by this world from our infancy to embrace independence. In fact, becoming a “self-made man” has become aspirational.
However, Jesus modeled for us something quite contrary. He was in complete surrender to the will of His father and was wholly dependent on Him. We read in John 5:19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
Let us pray that we strive to solely depend on our heavenly father and seek His constant fellowship. After all, we were created in His image to walk with Him always. This pleases Him.
Let’s reprogram our minds and hearts away from our quest to be independent and self-made individuals to those who depend on the power of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives. Amen