By Simmy Joshy
When we read Psalm 105, we come to know how King David was
totally dependent upon the Lord.
“Look to the LORD and
his strength; seek his face always,” says Psalm 105:4. Again in Psalm 119,
David’s total dependence on the Lord is conveyed very clearly. In Old
Testament, we see how Jeremiah and Isaiah experienced special blessings as they
lived their lives in total dependence on the Lord.
Yes, our Lord expects
us to depend on him completely and unconditionally at all times. That is, we
need to trust him in all our life situations. Then Lord’s grace needed for
successfully dealing with any circumstances would definitely flow through and
strengthen us. Instead, if we depend on our own strength, money, health,
speech, knowledge, skill or any of our or earthly resources, then we would most
probably be struggling to accomplish the end, in the most appropriate way.
Complete dependence
on the Lord invariably frees us from any form of stress or strain or tensions or
worries or concerns, etc that we might encounter in different life situations.
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.
If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in
all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the
power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4: 11 NIV).
We need to trust him
for simple to complex things in life. Trusting in the almighty has to become a
habit for the believers. He expects such kind of relationship from his chosen
people. Are we growing in that direction?
I think, one would
most probably rely on the Lord only when all other options seem impossible or
beyond the reach. Perhaps one such impossible situation would have made us realise
the freedom and joy we experience through trusting completely in the lord. For
example, everyone will rely on the Lord when one is terminally ill and have not
enough medication or access to a medical practitioner. Such experience with the
Lord should not remain as a mere standalone one but make it regular and
experience the power and grace of the living god in our day to day lives.
“Some trust in
chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They
are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm” (Psalm 20:
7-8 NIV). Life becomes much more peaceful, wonderful and enjoyable if we depend
on the Lord for everything, despite having all the resources for conducting the
task. “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar
on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not
be faint” (Isaiah, 40: 31 NIV). That is, those who rely on the Lord would
remain powerful to the end even under extreme circumstances as they have the
Lord with them.
In today’s world,
people of different ages complaint of having stressed out or feel that they
have reached a stage where everything appears bleak. In order to avoid such
horrific experiences in life we need to depend on the Lord for everything. God
has promised wonderful gifts for those who depend on him. To all who are
willing to trust in the Lord, Lord offers everlasting peace and capability to
remain fruitful even in the midst of adversities.
“But blessed is the
one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its
leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails
to bear fruit” (Jeremiah, 17: 7 – 9 NIV). Through trusting God we are
completely freed from all the worries, issues and problems in life and we could
approach life as it comes in a very peaceful and joyful manner. “May the God of
hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).
Just like a little
baby depends and trusts his or her parents for getting his or her things done,
Christians or believers need to look to the Lord at all times, no matter how
resourceful we are. Of course everyone would be experiencing Christ and his
power, especially during the most difficult life situations, but we need to
understand the need and worth of depending on the Lord for everything. “For the
foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is
stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV).
This clearly shows
the need for depending on God and not one’s own capabilities, knowledge or
strength. Our lives are designed by God to rely on him and so we can be perfect
only if we trust the creator in its entirety. So why wait for any longer?
(The writer is a marine biologist based in Cochin)
