Depend on the Lord
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth
Psalm 121:1-2
The question of whether to depend on God or depend on ourselves can be difficult to answer. Most Christians depend on God sometimes, but shouldn’t we always depend on him? I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Doesn’t this verse imply that we should depend on the Lord if we are to be Christ-like?
I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated (Psalm 62:5-6). This verse tells us that we should depend on God alone. In fact, we are dependent on the Lord more than we know!
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14). If we are to be Christ-like, we strive to be led by the Spirit; everything we say, everything we hear, and everything we see is filtered by the Holy Spirit. If we are led by the Spirit, then we are depending on the Lord to be Christ-like.
What are the challenges Satan puts in our paths to keep us from depending on God? First, he wants us to depend on ourselves, according to our own wants and desires, never listening to the Spirit and struggling through life. We cannot trust our own wills over God’s will, or our own choices over God’s choices because they are tainted by sin. God’s will is perfect, and it is always best for us to depend on his will for our lives. If we depend on the Lord then we must trust the Lord.
Secondly, Satan tries to get us to depend on things. A Christian cannot put security in money or possessions and still depend on God. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). Depending on the Lord means giving him first priority, and through faith we can follow the Lord’s guidance to take care of our worldly needs. Christians depend on the Lord with a heart of gratitude for everything he has provided in life.
Today examine yourself and determine if you are really dependent on the Lord. Thank the Lord for everything he has given you: Your job, your home, food, transportation, and eternal life through his Son. The more thankful we are, the more dependent we are on the Lord. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). Realize everything good in your life comes from God and should be used for his glory. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
Let’s Pray: Lord, help me to fully depend on you for everything, and to depend on you to get me through this day serving you. Thank you for being with me and guiding me in your love, wisdom, and courage through the Holy Spirit. Thank you. In Jesus name, Amen