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In our culture, independence is celebrated—being strong, self-reliant, and capable of handling things on our own. And while there’s value in responsibility and perseverance, we can run into trouble when we think we don’t need God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us of this truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” It’s not about abandoning effort but surrendering control, acknowledging that God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.
We’re going to unpack what it means to live with true dependence on God. We’ll discuss why self-sufficiency often falls short, how trusting God changes everything, and what it looks like to walk in His strength rather than our own.
So, let’s dive in with encouragement, reflection, and renewal as we explore what it means to truly rely on our Heavenly Father!
Independence can lead us to rely on human strength rather than God’s provision.
So, let’s do our best to understand why self-reliance can lead us away from God’s best for our lives.
Jeremiah 17:5-6 says, "This is what the Lord says: 'Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future.'”
Oftentimes, we want to handle things on our own, and figuring out why that is might mean reflecting on whether it’s out of pride, fear, or something else. I was, and still can be, someone who wants to get alone and try to figure everything out on my own. I would do that mainly out of fear of what others might think or say about me. Now I still get alone, but it’s because I want to hear what God is saying to me about how to handle things.
There have been plenty of times when I struggled with something that seemed so big, and I couldn’t get out of my own head. I stayed in it for weeks. I’d even try to fix what I thought was wrong, only to make things worse for myself. I would drive myself crazy, thinking, “Why can’t I fix this?” Once I realized there was nothing I could do, my perspective changed. I saw that my self-reliance was only making things spiral further, and I knew I needed to try something different.
It’s like trying to carry a bunch of boxes by yourself. When someone offers to open the door for you, you decline because you think you can do it alone. But then, when you try to open the door, you drop all the boxes. There’s no good solution other than accepting help.
In what areas of your life are you tempted to trust in your own strength rather than God’s?
Luke 12:19-20 says, "And I’ll sit back and say to myself, ‘My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’”
Jesus’ parable of the rich fool highlights the emptiness of self-sufficiency.
When we accomplish things and allow ourselves to depend on success as something we did, not something God allowed, we create a false sense of security and pride. We want control, becoming more dependent on what we can do rather than what God can do through us. Ask God to reveal areas where you’re holding too tightly to control.
This Christmas season, as our focus is on the birth of Jesus, let’s examine our hearts and ask ourselves if we are storing up treasures on earth or relying on God for eternal security.
As a former independent person, I know how difficult it can be to relinquish control and let someone else take the lead or guide you. Though I still struggle at times, I’ve learned through many failures that I can no longer walk through life without God being in control. So, I want to encourage you today to evaluate areas of your life where your independence might be leading you away from God.
Self-reliance may promise control, but only dependence on God provides peace.
Now let’s focus on exploring the blessings and freedom that come from trusting in God’s wisdom and strength.
Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."
One thing to remember is that dependence on God brings provision and peace.
Once, when we were financially struggling and didn’t know how we would pay a bill and buy groceries for the week, all we could do was depend on God to provide. Amazingly, I walked into our side yard and found some money folded up. I asked my in-laws, who live next door, if they had dropped it. It was far enough from the road that it seemed unlikely to have blown out of a car window. After taking steps to figure out where it came from, it seemed to be an unexpected blessing from the Lord to provide what we needed.
The Lord gives and provides for us in so many ways, but that day changed me. It showed me the importance of surrender and trusting that, no matter my circumstances, God is in control. I now invite God into all my plans because I know His ways are better.
What would it look like to seek God’s Kingdom first in your life?
2 Corinthians 1:12 says, “We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.”
God’s strength shines through our weakness. Paul embraced his dependence on God. He knew he could do nothing apart from God. This is evident in his imprisonment, where he wrote some of the most joyful and guided books in the Bible. One story that comes to mind is when Paul was in prison, and God shook the prison, opening all the doors. Everyone could have escaped, but they stayed, singing worship songs. Paul waited for God’s reason, which was to preach the gospel to the prison guards and lead them and their families to Christ.
When we depend on God and lean on Him for provision, we no longer feel pressured to have it all together.
How can you let God’s strength be made perfect in your weakness today?
There is freedom in surrender, as we read in both Matthew 6:33 and 2 Corinthians 1:12.
When we seek the Lord first, we can have full confidence that His grace and mercy surpass human wisdom. Dependence on God, not on ourselves, assures us that His plans are better than ours. When we look to Him and follow His lead, we can rest assured that what comes will be exactly what we need.
Trust God with your struggles and lean on His strength.
True freedom is found not in independence but in total dependence on God.
Psalm 37:5 says, "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you."
What would it look like to trust God with your plans this week?
Let’s explore practical ways to live a life of reliance on God, moment by moment.
First, dependence is a daily choice to trust God with every aspect of your life. Cultivate dependence by praying, worshiping, and reflecting on what God has done. Commit one worry or decision to God today.
Second, staying connected to Jesus is key to fruitful living.
John 15:4 says, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me."
How can you stay connected to Jesus throughout your day? Reading the Bible, applying it, and expressing gratitude for who He is and what He has done are ways to remain dependent on the Lord. Make room for God in your daily routines, and you’ll find more peace and joy regardless of circumstances.
There is joy in depending on the Lord. There is freedom in knowing He has everything under control and all we need to do is follow His lead.
Psalm 37:5 tells us to commit everything to the Lord, and John 15:4 encourages us to remain in Him.
When we are committed to remaining in the Lord and growing spiritually by allowing Him to guide us, we’ll soon realize His plans are far better than ours. He knows what we need, and when we look to Him for provision, we will be filled and overflowing with blessings.
Take small, intentional steps toward deeper reliance on God. Dependence on God isn’t a weakness—it’s the foundation of a fruitful, abundant life.
I hope this topic has reminded you of the beauty and freedom of relying on God.
As we go through life, let’s remember that dependence on God doesn’t limit us—it sets us free to live the life He’s called us to.
Be blessed, stay rooted in His love, and let God be your guide in every season of life.