Independence Day 2024

July 4, 2024

As we celebrate our independence as a nation, I just want us to remember that sometimes dependence can be a good thing. Dependence on God is key, especially in this day and age when we can't depend on much else.

God tells us that he wants us to depend on him and trust him every day. God wants us to depend on him, lean on him, to need him. As Americans, I think a lot of us struggle with this. It’s not the cultural norm to want to need someone. But, we DO need God. It’s okay to be needy when it comes to recognizing our need for him.

And saying we depend on God is one thing, but actually following through and depending on him in uncertain times is another. Do we actually spend our lives depending on God? Do we really trust him? Or, do we try to take control or worry? Do we focus on what WE can do in our own strength and rush ahead of God’s plans to problem solve, or do we focus on simply depending on God to lead us?

The Bible says the way to depend on God is one day at a time. He says, “I want you to trust me one day at a time. We’ll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. We’ll worry about next week, next week. We’ll worry about next month, next month. I don’t want you worrying about that. In fact, I don’t want you worrying at all. I want you to take it one day at a time.”

How do you do that? How do you trust God just for today?

Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

1. WORRY ABOUT NOTHING.  

That’s the first step: worry about nothing. He says, “I don’t want you worrying about anything.” 

Why is worry such a big deal? Why does God say “I don’t want you worrying?” Every time you worry you’re saying, “God, I don’t believe your promises. God, I don’t really believe you love me. God, I don’t believe you’ll take care of me. God, I don’t believe you’ll meet all my needs.”

Make the choice to make your “worry list” into your “prayer list.” There is a big difference.

2. PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.  

He says, “Here’s the alternative: I don’t want you worrying. I want you praying.” Worry about nothing, pray about everything.

You’ve got two choices. You can worry or you can pray. Every day you’re doing one or the other. Every time you worry, you’re not praying. Every time you pray you’re not worrying. You can either pray or panic. You can worry or you can worship.

Worry has never solved a problem. It’s never solved a single problem. It’s stewing without doing. It is the most useless emotion. But prayer can change things.

Are you willing to depend on the Lord, even if it means potentially feeling needy? Or, Do you need to feel like you are in control all the time? I think a lot of people, especially Americans don't feel comfortable "needing" someone. But here's the truth: Living the Christian life in your own strength is EXHAUSTING, and well, impossible. Depend on the Lord instead. Tell him your needs. Let HIM take care of your problems. Let him lead you instead of rushing ahead to control everything yourself. Take your worries to him in prayer.

I pray that you have a FUN and SAFE holiday with your family. God bless!