God is Our Strength–Staying Connected

In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge is in God.
Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:7-8)

Although our worldview is to strive for independence, that concept can never be an actual reality, God created humanity to rely on Him and each other to live a productive life. Self-reliance always produces internal conflict. Why? When we lose our desire to seek God for help because of a spirit of independence, a chasm of separation forms between God and us.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing. (John 15:5). Jesus reminds us of our inability to be faithful, obedient, and have spiritual growth without a steadfast connection to Him.

The times that we are overconfident–relying on our ability to resolve our life challenges will end. Eventually, we will face an obstacle that requires God’s Divine Intervention. The frustration builds, yet, our limitations are God-designed. Either we rely on God or ourselves. Our finite intellectual resources can only take us to a certain point. We become weary from failed attempts to resolve the hardships. The unresolved outcome leads us to pray, “God, I need Your help!,” or to feel angry and abandoned, asking, “Where is God?”

“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

God reminds us of the human effort required to stay connected to Him. Abiding in His presence is a daily intentional endeavor. We determine in our hearts to seek God by placing Him first in our lives. Not only during hardships but also in peaceful times. When our dependency on God becomes a standard, we confidently proclaim that God will never leave or forsake us!

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31)