Devotionals for the Heart: Dependence

Declaration of Dependence
A devotional by Glynis Becker

“From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For You have been a refuge for me,

A tower of strength against the enemy.

Let me dwell in Your tent forever;

Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.”

— Psalm 61:2-4 (NASB)

Do you remember being a child, wishing you could grow up so you wouldn’t have people telling you what to do? 

Of course, as adults, we realize that although we have more freedom than we did as children, we are not as free as we probably dreamed we would be. We tell ourselves we can do just about anything if it doesn’t hurt someone else. We stake our claim as independent creatures. But even as we say it I don’t think any of us really believe that’s completely true, do we?

We are dependent on all kinds of things: our health, our skill level, our intelligence, where we live, our finances, our families, our employers, the weather. Many of those things we have no control over. We aren’t really independent at all.

As Christians we should be even less independent, or at the very least, less dependent on ourselves and our own strength. Dependence on God is where we need to start.

When I hear the word ‘declaration,’ being an American, I immediately go to the phrase “Declaration of Independence.” That was a collective stand taken by a nation to say what they believed, what they wanted, and what they were willing to risk to gain it.

In Psalm 61, and so many of the other Psalms that David wrote, we see him declaring what we believes to be true of God as well as what is his own place in dependence on Him. He declares that God is “the rock that is higher than I am” and that He is a “refuge” and a “tower of strength.” Reminding himself of those things when life was good gave him a sure foundation in the days of difficulty, fear, and adversity.

Next David asks God for what he wants: “Let me live in your tent forever.” He knows he is dependent on God for his life, his well-being, and all of his blessings. He wants to be near God, sheltered by His strong arm and His boundless love.

I do not attend a liturgical church and this is not meant as a critique of contemporary versus traditional kinds of worship, but I firmly believe that there is something powerful about a congregation standing together to recite a creed or an affirmation that has been repeated by countless generations over thousands of years. The best of those creeds guide us to state what we believe about God, Who He is, and who we are in relation to Him.

I’d like to make it a practice to occasionally, if not every day, state what I believe about God, what I expect of Him and of myself in relation to how I love Him and the people around me.

I’m ready to make my own Declaration of Dependence. Is anybody with me?

My Prayer: Dear Father (God), make me aware of You today, in this moment, and remind me that You are everything I need. Remind me that any strength or skill I have is a blessing from You and that relying on You is the only way I will find freedom and peace. In Your Son’s precious name I pray, Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Glynis Becker writes devotions and inspirational fiction, hoping someday to have a published novel on her resume. 

She has co-written several screenplays, including the film Sinking Sand, available on DVD and digital streaming.

Glynis, whose childhood was spent all over the country as an Air Force brat, has called South Dakota home for many years, along with her husband and two teenage children.

When she’s not writing or reading, she is watching more television than she should and crocheting. You can find her at www.glynisbecker.com.