The book of Proverbs reminds us to rely on the Lord instead of ourselves (Proverbs 3:5). A point often overlooked is a dependence upon God brings us an inner serenity and an eternal future with our Savior. Given these points reliance on God calms the storms of life leading to a peaceful existence.

It’s difficult to abandon oneself to God. Everything inside ourselves wants to go it alone. This instinct to rely on our own limited power isn’t new. In fact, it started the moment sin entered humanity.

We understand this truth from Adam and Eve’s fall from God’s grace (Genesis 3). Even though, Satan persuaded them to disobey God (Genesis 3:4) it shows the consequences from relying on oneself.

But God’s mercy provides a way out (2 Peter 3:9).

My Experience With Self-reliance

I know the fruitless results from living life without leaning on Christ. When I use my understanding of how to live in a broken world, the outcome isn’t satisfying. This places me in a position where I collide with God’s word and live in disobedience.

In my experience living a self-searching lifestyle, the courage needed to overcome temptation stays elusive. I find myself unable to meet life’s terms without sin. My inability to live free from the bondage of sin coupled with my powerlessness over it leads me to resentment, fear, and ungodliness.

And I know without Christ’s strength it gets worse.

Every day we come up close with the dangers of separating ourselves from Christ. We live in a world riddled with examples of evil deeds with wicked intentions. These sinful global occurrences give evidence to a life anchored in action unacceptable with God.

Leaving Christ out of our decision making the door to more problems swings open. Even in our Christian walk, this unintentional approach can cause us to stumble.

On the positive side, our experience in trusting God leads us to refocus our efforts and seek Jesus divine wisdom. And once we shift our hearts over to His care a peace unlike any other enters our inner-being.

Glorifying God Comes From Christ-reliance

One of the most favorable actions God looks for is glorifying Him. It doesn’t take much of exertion to praise Christ. The Lord’s recipe for salvation includes the ingredients of humility, sincerity, and willingness to live in Christ. Those three spiritual actions lead to heaven.

On the other hand, self-sufficiency glorifies individuality an act of pride and distasteful to Christ.

The antidote for self-reliance is improving our relationship with Christ. Since God made Jesus His entry into salvation, then it becomes our responsibility to surrender our personal agendas and live in His purpose. It’s important to realize the more we rely on Jesus the greater our ability to live acceptable in God’s eyes.

What are your experiences with reliance on Christ?