Declaration
of Dependence
By Karen D’Amore
“Apart from Me
you can do nothing.”
John 15:5b (NIV)
Remnants of the holiday are still
evident throughout our neighborhood with the crackle of lingering fireworks
echoing against the night sky, and porch-mounted American flags continuing to
flap proudly in the wind. Sometimes with holidays like the Fourth of July, my
immersion in the social gatherings and community events diverts my focus, overshadowing
the true meaning behind the holiday.
This year, reflection on “Independence
Day” and the current state of our nation, drew me to reread the Declaration of
Independence. Two powerfully convicting statements stood out: “We hold these
truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.” “…with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge
to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” [1, emphasis added]
Wow…there is a Declaration of
Dependence within our country’s Declaration of Independence! While declaring
independence from foreign tyranny, our Founding Fathers instituted a
Declaration of Dependence on Almighty God. It saddens me to acknowledge how far
we’ve strayed…as individuals, and as a nation, from a statement of dependence
on God. Society sensationalizes the importance of “independence” and
“self-sufficiency”…a lie I (too) bought into before surrendering my life to
Christ. In those years of pursuing independence with a vengeance, my mantra was
“I can do it myself!” While glorifying self-reliance, I equated strength with
independence and needs with weakness. In those wandering years, I prided myself
with needing no one…including God!
As Christ-followers we’re called to
abolish “independence” as we live surrendered lives in-dependence on Him.
Webster’s defines dependence as: “the quality or state of
being influenced or determined by or subject to another; reliance, trust.” Our
physical and spiritual existence is dependent on our relationship with God.
Our natural lives are prideful lives
based on our own resources, sight, strength and a declaration that we don’t
need God. The supernatural life calls us to humble ourselves in dependency on
God and trust in His resources, sight and strength. I’ve learned that God is
most glorified in our dependency on Him, as He works through us to make the impossible…possible.
He promises in Scripture, "’My grace is all you need. My power works best
in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power
of Christ can work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV).
We are endowed by our Creator to live surrendered lives…reliant on the protection of Divine Providence!
Today…Declare your Him-dependence
and find True freedom!
GOING
DEEPER:
1.
Identify areas where you need to abolish independence for
Him-dependence.
FURTHER
READING:
Married to Dan,
Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns
Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.
