Such a seemingly obvious statement, yet, we sometimes live counter to this. This week at the River, LM challenged us to ask ourselves if we're living out what it means to be dependent on God. Jeremiah 17:7-8, John 15, and (I forgot the other passage) present analogies of trees/vines to describe what it means live out dependency on Christ. If we're rooted in Him, or if we "remain in Him" (John 15), we will be fully equipped to face the stress of school, family, finances, relationships, work....
So how do we do this? How do we practically live out dependency? How do we put ourselves in a place to get wet?
TALK. We talk to our friends all the time! Why is this different with God? Do we forget he knows our innermost being, our every excitement, concern, doubt, and fear? Just talk to him- at all times, in all places, about all things. Well, duh! But I've been challenged to ask myself if I really live life talking to God constantly. As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I don't talk because I'm afraid of admitting I need help, I'm embarrassed for what I've done, or I'm consumed with the distractions around me. God can handle all of that, and He wants me to talk with Him.
LISTEN. If we don't set aside time to listen, how will grow? How many friendships do you have where you feel like the other person never listens to you? Are you really friends then? Why not listen to God's voice- we'll hear it, as Jesus said, "my sheep hear my voice" (John 10:27). I know God has a plan for me, but for some reason I still try and do it all on my own!
Navel gazing.... one of my teachers in high school referred to the negative, self-centered, all-consuming focus on difficulties you're facing right at this moment as navel gazing. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18). If we would only get our eyes off of ourselves for two seconds and fixed back on Christ, our perspective would change. The situation might not, but we will be able to move forward with our eyes fixed on Jesus, ready to hear his voice.
Navel gazing.... one of my teachers in high school referred to the negative, self-centered, all-consuming focus on difficulties you're facing right at this moment as navel gazing. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18). If we would only get our eyes off of ourselves for two seconds and fixed back on Christ, our perspective would change. The situation might not, but we will be able to move forward with our eyes fixed on Jesus, ready to hear his voice.
GO. God doesn't call us to a life of stagnant complacency. He calls us into action saying, “whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) Denying ourselves, not living for ourselves; taking up our cross, not expecting life to be easy; and following him, not trying to find the way on our own. This verse is a call to move forward humbly, depending on God completely for sustenance, comfort, and direction. We know we can trust Him, so why don't we just go with him? He'll lead us into the river, into deep relationship with Him.
Today, I want to sit at Jesus' feet talking to Him and listening to his voice. Then I want to go wherever he leads me- living fully dependent on Him. Let's go.
Today, I want to sit at Jesus' feet talking to Him and listening to his voice. Then I want to go wherever he leads me- living fully dependent on Him. Let's go.
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