The first rebellion in the garden stemmed from a desire for independence. Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit was driven by a desire to be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5). This desire for autonomy and self-determination led them to disobey God’s commandment and seek to assert their independence from His authority. As Christ said, “Apart from me, you can do nothing!”
Living in dependence on God is central to the Christian faith. It’s about staying close to Him, seeking His presence, and aligning our lives with His will. This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential for retaining the image of God within us and experiencing real transformation.
The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that as we contemplate the Lord’s glory, we’re transformed into His image. This means that the more we focus on God and His character, the more we become like Him. It’s a beautiful process of growth and renewal.
Jesus Himself emphasised the importance of staying connected to Him in John 15:5. He compared us to the branches of a vine, saying that apart from Him, we can’t do anything meaningful. Our strength and vitality come from our relationship with Christ.
Psalm 16:11 captures the joy and fulfilment found in God’s presence. It reminds us that true satisfaction comes from being close to Him, experiencing His love, and delighting in His goodness.
Trusting God completely is another key aspect of dependence. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to lean on Him instead of relying on our own understanding. When we submit to His will, He guides us and makes our paths straight.
The Psalms are filled with expressions of longing to remain in God’s presence. Psalm 27:4, for example, speaks of the psalmist’s desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty. It’s a heartfelt plea for intimacy with God and a recognition of the joy found in His presence.
Living in dependence on God isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s essential for spiritual growth and transformation. It’s about staying close to Him, seeking His presence, and aligning our lives with His will. As we focus on God and His goodness, we’re transformed into His image, experiencing His joy and fulfillment in our lives.
Jesus emphasises our need to abide in Him, recognising that apart from Him, we can do nothing meaningful. True strength and vitality come from our relationship with Christ. Like branches drawing sustenance from the vine, we find our strength in abiding in Christ.
Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you’ve been trying to rely on your strength alone. Surrender those areas to God, asking Him to empower and guide you according to His will. God offers forgiveness and restoration to those who acknowledge their need for Him and turn back to Him in humility and repentance.
May we recognise our need for God in every aspect of our lives and learn to rely on His strength rather than our own understanding. May we find joy and fulfilment in His presence today and always.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk