Tuesday, January 15, 2013

I Don't Work for the Circus



Dependence. Not a word I usually think of in positive terms. The dictionary defines it as: "reliance on somebody or something," (Encarta Dictionary). In a society that encourages me to "pull myself up by my bootstraps," having to rely on anyone or anything other than self isn't a very popular concept.

Obviously there is something to be said for independence. When a child reaches adulthood, it's natural for her to get a job, find a place of her own, and pursue a life independent of mom and dad.  That's a good thing.

But dependence can also be a good thing. At every stage of life, I've found it's important for me to be aware of my dependence on God.

There are days when I've tried to run the show on my own and have failed miserably. I know what needs to be done, but I can't accomplish it in my own strength. I end up frustrated and exhausted. And I realize why I don't work for the circus -- I could never juggle all those balls at the same time!

When life seems out of control, I can run back to the One who controls it all and learn from His Word.


Remember the prophet Daniel? His life gives me a good example of what it looks like to depend on God.

Daniel was a young man when he was taken into captivity by the Babylonians. When his captors offered him food from the king's table which was forbidden by the law of God, Daniel didn't waste time letting them know where his allegiance lay: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself," (Daniel 1:8; KJV).

Talk about dependence! Daniel trusted God with his life. He depended on God to give him favor with the king of Babylon. Notice the result: "And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king," (Daniel 1:19). Daniel and his friends were elevated to positions as counselors, or wise men, in the king's cabinet.

God's faithfulness proved to Daniel that he could fully depend on his Creator. Later, when the king flew into a rage and would have killed all of his counselors, Daniel asked the king's captain for an explanation. It seemed the king couldn't find anyone to interpret his disturbing dream.

Daniel couldn't interpret dreams, but he knew God could. After praying for God's mercy, the meaning of the king's dream was revealed to Daniel in a vision. When he stood before the king, Daniel was careful to praise God and give Him credit for the dream's interpretation. Once again, depending on God had saved Daniel's life.

The God Daniel served is the same God I serve. God never changes. Although I'm not a captive, or working for a foreign king, God gives me just as many opportunities to depend on Him. Realizing I need His help is important. When I depend on God to give me strength for the things that need to be accomplished, He is more than able to exceed my expectations -- every time.

Are you trying to live life in your own strength? What step will you take to begin depending on God?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me that it's important to depend on You. Forgive me when I try to live life on my own -- I don't accomplish much and I end up tired. Help me trust You with the everyday details of living. I need Your strength. In Jesus' name, Amen. 



*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Join in the conversation!

9 comments:

  1. Great post Maria, I think I do not purposely want to live my life in my own strength, but I find myself doing it again sometimes. Always good to reflect and turn to Him again.
    Blessings Maria, enjoy your week.

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    1. Hi Marja! I'm the same way - I don't intentionally set out doing things on my own, but sometimes I end up there anyway. It's always good to do those regular check-ups! Have a blessed week as well! Hugs :)

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  2. Very beautifully written and expressed Maria! I like the way you shared your own story. I love the way you pointed out that Daniel depended on God for His life.
    Learning to depend on God and to trust Him is a journey and especially if your trust was seriously broken as a child.
    Thanks for writing and sharing these strengthening thoughts with us.

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    1. Hi Sharon! Thanks so much for your sweet words of encouragement. Daniel's story is such an inspiration. A great reminder to determine what we need to stand for before we are in a desperate situation.

      Agreeing with you that it's difficult to learn to trust when that trust has been broken. I'm thankful that God has a perfect track record of being trustworthy! We serve an awesome God! Blessings to you~

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  3. You know, I do so much better when I lean into his strength, but I still find myself sometimes trying to stand on my own two feet. I even was doing that this morning, attempting to fix one of my own problems and God nudged me into giving it to Him (begrudgingly!). This post was perfectly timed to remind me to LEAVE it in His hands:)

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    1. Great to see you Susan! Don't you love it when the Lord uses something to reaffirm what He's been speaking to your heart?! Thanks for sharing!

      Praying you're having a wonderful week. God bless you my friend!

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  4. I can so apply this to my life Maria. Thank you. Dear God, please,help me to depend more on you and less on myself.

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