How Well Does Self-Reliance Work?

Rock Gap Rd, West Virginia
 (Photo credit: D.Clow - Maryland)

As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.

Psalm 42:1

New International Version (NIV)

        We are often encouraged to be self-sufficient, to rely on no one for help.  In one sense this concept is a good one.  Other people can be notoriously unreliable at times.  Government and society often allows those in need to slip through the cracks.   The world of big business can be very accommodating when trying to gain new customers, yet suspiciously silent if the customer's needs outweigh the company's profits.  

         A certain amount of self-sufficiency is not a bad goal for which to strive, but in our world it is a rather impractical idea that mostly exists in the realms of idealistic dreamers.  Few of us want to retreat on our own to live alone in the wilderness to subsist on what the Earth can provide and what our own ingenuity can muster.  I know that I'm not ready for that kind of lifestyle.  I enjoy civilization too much.

        But no matter how well we can sustain ourselves whether it be on our own or within the parameters of societal living, there is more than the comforts of our physical well-being to take into consideration.   We cannot neglect the spiritual needs that dwell innately within us.  We may think we are fine without God, living comfortably with others and believing that our mind holds all the answers and the power to a happy life.  However there is always an empty spot that can only be filled with that one thing necessary to having a complete life--God.

        God will provide.  Will you acknowledge that you need Him?   When the ultimate emptiness that is within you becomes evident to you, will you concede to letting God carry you to the life-giving Stream of Salvation.    When your body thirsts, you seek water.  When you are spiritually empty, what will you do?

 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.   I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.   I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:11-13
New International Version (NIV)

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• Never Hopeless - Psalms 42 & 43
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Let God Have His Way

One thing God has spoken,
    two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God, 
¹²     and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; 
and, “You reward everyone
    according to what they have done.”

Psalm 62:11-12

New International Version (NIV)

           Sometimes it is easy to forget what God can do and try to be overly self-reliant.  We may depend on government, friends, family, or the powers of this Earth.  In the end we are often let down, disappointed, and reminded of the frailty and failures of the ephemeral.

            I try to give it all to You, Lord, and then I forget.  Please keep reminding me.  I want to do the right things in Your eyes. Recognition by people is nice, but it means nothing if I have not pleased You, Lord.

 For this reason, ... continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

Colossians 1:9-12

New International Version (NIV)

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