“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
It is easy to want to do things on our own, isn’t it? When we were younger, there was so much that Mom and Dad or other grown-ups had to do for us. They had to feed us and pick out our clothes. They had to tie our shoes and carry things that were too big for us. But then we got to the point where we could do all that stuff on our own. We did not want Mom and Dad’s help anymore. Do the words “No! Let me do it by myself!” sound familiar?
That ability to do something by yourself is called “independence.” Becoming independent usually a good thing, not a bad thing. But God does not want us to start trusting in ourselves more than we trust in Him. Maybe you are a good student in school. Or maybe God has given you a special musical talent. Or perhaps you are a super ball player. Have you entrusted these gifts to God? Or are you counting on your own efforts and knowledge to get you through that next test, that upcoming recital, or tomorrow’s big game?
When we have experienced a lot of success, we might be tempted to think, “Hey, I’m great! Everything is sure to turn out fine!” And sometimes–even if we would never say it out loud–we secretly think, “I don’t need to pray to God to ask for His help. I can do it all by myself!” It is easy to forget that God is the one who has blessed us with our talents, and as a result, it may even be that we start to put our faith in ourselves instead of totally in Him.
Not trusting in God takes away the glory and honor He deserves. Furthermore, we need God’s help and cannot get through any situation without Him! If our circumstances have a positive outcome, it is because of Him–not us!
Have you found yourself being too independent lately? That is, have you been “leaning on your own understanding” more than putting your confidence in God? If so, ask God for His forgiveness. Thank Him for the gifts He has given you, and ask Him to show you how you can use them to point others to Him. Keep looking to Him to guide you through each event of your life!
God expects us to depend upon Him.
My Response:
» Do I ever get the idea that I am doing okay and don’t need God that badly anymore?
» Am I trusting and depending on God in every area of my life?