How Well Do we Depend on God?

If you have watched even a small amount of TV, you have experienced an interesting phenomenon. It seems to me that the majority of advertisements on all forms of media are designed to bring to the surface, and then exploit, our natural sense of insecurity. Marketing managers are experts at identifying and exaggerating the things we are insecure about — our breath, our body, our status, etc. Once the advertisers have our attention, then they offer us something to buy — mouthwash, a weight loss program, a bigger car, etc., that will remedy our problem and make us hip or cool, or at least acceptable again.

It is understandable why this approach is effective. It is immediately tangible. Relationships, community, purpose — the kinds of things that Jesus invites us to embrace and strive for — are much harder to lay our hands on. We know what a good relationship feels like, but it’s hard to point to or produce on a moment’s notice. And being totally dependent on God is a wonderful feeling, but it’s not like you can run out to Walmart and buy it. So, we supplement our dependence on God with other things because they are right in front of us and we’ve got a whole culture telling us that this is the best way to go. Money to most people is the most dependable.

Our best intention is to be totally dependent on the God who loved and died for us. But when we have hard times, the natural inclination is to hit the ripcord and jump out of the totally dependent on God plane. Yes, we still depend on God, but we want to have some other things as a security blanket.

But here is the fundamental truth: When we depend on money, we get what money can do. Likewise, when we depend upon organizations, we get what organizations can do. If we depend on education, we get what education can do. When we depend on man, we get what men can do. When we depend on ourselves, we get what we can do.

But when we depend on God, we get what God can do. Depending on God means we rely on Him and depend on His reliability. Depending on God means that God is bigger, greater, and better than me – and he loves me greatly.

“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:1-2.

Questions:
1. When do you replace your faith in God with worry?
2. How can I learn to trust that He is in control and rest in that?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to acknowledge your dependence on God?
4. In prayer time, ask God to help you with a work related question or decision, a relationship difficulty, or any other day-to-day issue we have always tried to solve ourselves? He longs to take your cares and concerns and fill you with His peace. Just give your mistakes, your burdens, and your busyness over to Him in prayer.