As millions of Americans get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday marking their nation's Independence Day, we take a look at our dependence on God.
For non-believers, the thought of being dependent on someone or something is often seen as a sign of weakness. For example, there are people who want to have a drink before they feel confident enough to be sociable.
But a dependence on God makes us strong because He is the source of the greatest power. Through Him we don't simply get Dutch courage, or the courage gained from intoxication with alcohol; we get the infinitely more powerful Christ-like courage. Our fears and insecurities aren't just covered up; they are exposed and eliminated.
A child relying on a parent is not weak but needs to be nurtured, directed and loved. In the same way, as children of God, we have those needs satisfied through our relationship with Him. A friend who relies on another friend isn't weak but benefits from learning, listening and going through life with a loyal companion. Likewise, we are made stronger through our friendship with Christ.
We become more confident and resolute when we have reliable foundations. We're weaker without God.
These Bible verses are a fitting reminder about the importance of depending on God.
Why we should depend on Him
Unlike so many things in our lives, God's reliability isn't fleeting; it's forever. When we put our trust on someone, we want to know if that someone will deliver on his promise. The promise is guaranteed when we rely on God.
Hebrews 13:8 – "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Isaiah 26:4 – "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal."
What the results of our dependence on Him are
God is always good, and when we rely on Him the results are also good. The benefits of trusting on Him are endless. A few of them are mentioned in the Bible verses below.
John 15:4-5 – "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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."
Psalm 62:5-7 – "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge."
Isaiah 40:29 – "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
How to depend on Him
Relying on God means looking up to Him for answers and guidance, and valuing His words. He's extended his helping hand to all of us by giving us an advocate, the Holy Spirit, on earth. We should embrace the Spirit and its gifts, and reach out to the Lord continually.
Jeremiah 33:3 – "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
John 14:16 – "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever."
