Dependence and Independence

Somewhere along the way, we were taught that independence is the goal:
Be strong. Be courageous.
Handle it yourself.
Don’t ask for help. You can do it.
Don’t cry. Don't whine.
Don’t need. Be independent.

And if we’re honest, many of us wear independence like a badge of honor -- even when it’s quietly breaking our backs.

We say, “I’ve got it.”
But our tired eyes tell a different story.

God never designed us to live like self-powered machines. He created us to be people who breathe -- who rest -- who receive -- who depend.

The world applauds independence.
But Heaven celebrates dependence -- on our Burden Bearer, our Strong Tower, our Rock in the time of storms.

Jesus never said, “Come to Me, all you who have it all together.”
No… He said:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

That’s not a command for the strong.
That’s an invitation for the weary.

There’s a difference between healthy independence and stubborn self-reliance. Independence says, “I can do my part.”
But prideful self-reliance says, “I don’t need anyone.”

And that’s where we get into trouble.
Because even the strongest among us have moments when the bills pile up, the phone won’t stop ringing, the doctor gives us a scary report, or loneliness settles in like fog.

That’s when God whispers, “Let Me carry what you were never meant to hold.”

Dependence isn’t weakness. Dependence is wisdom.
It takes courage to pray when we don’t have answers.
It takes humility to ask for help.
It takes faith to admit we’re not enough and believe God is.

So yes -- let's be responsible -- wise -- deligent.
But, for goodness sake -- let's not try to be our own Savior!

Because the truth is this:
Independence may build confidence -- but dependence on God builds peace -- calm -- rest -- comfort.

And all those sweet words are what our souls have been craving all along. And doesn't that give us assurance that THE ONE Who rested during the storm gives us the invitation to rest and be at peace like Him, too?

#dependence #independence