In our fast-paced world, it's easy to treat God like a “take as needed” medication. We pray when we're in crisis, seek Him in moments of despair, and call on Him when we’ve run out of options. But the truth is, we need God every second of every day—not just when life feels overwhelming. He’s not just a solution for our problems; He’s the source of our very existence.
Let’s dive into why treating God this way falls short of the relationship He desires and the abundant life He offers.
God as Our Sustainer
In Acts 17:28, Paul reminds us, "For in Him we live and move and have our being." This verse encapsulates the core truth: we are entirely dependent on God, not just in difficult moments, but in every breath we take. Without Him, we cease to exist. He sustains us, empowers us, and grants us the strength to carry out our daily tasks.
Just as our bodies rely on oxygen every moment, our souls rely on God’s presence to thrive. If we ignore Him until we’re in need, we miss out on the continuous grace and strength He offers us daily.
Daily Dependence on God
Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." This scripture calls us to surrender our plans, thoughts, and desires to God every day. We shouldn’t just come to Him in emergencies. Instead, we’re called to trust Him consistently, acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that we need His guidance in everything.
When we treat God as a "last resort," we're essentially saying we can handle life on our own—until we can’t. But that’s not what God intends for us. He wants to walk alongside us, guiding and directing our paths in all circumstances, not just the tough ones.
A Heart of Gratitude and Awareness
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Every day we wake up is a gift from God. Every moment we’re alive is a testimony to His mercy and faithfulness. This truth should fill our hearts with gratitude and keep us aware of His constant presence in our lives.
Rather than coming to Him only when we “feel” we need Him, we should cultivate a heart that recognizes our need for Him at all times. Being mindful of His daily provisions—both seen and unseen—transforms our relationship with God from one of occasional dependence to continuous communion.
Jesus as Our Daily Bread
Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer to ask, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). Notice, He didn’t say weekly, monthly, or yearly bread. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God every single day for sustenance, not just physically but spiritually. We need fresh nourishment from God each day to grow, thrive, and overcome life’s challenges.
When we treat God like a quick fix, we starve our souls of the daily bread He offers. Only by seeking Him consistently can we experience the fullness of His presence and the joy of a vibrant, growing relationship with Him.
Reimagining Our Relationship with God
God desires an intimate, ongoing relationship with us. When we see Him as our constant source—our very life—we experience His peace and strength in ways we never could if we only turned to Him in times of trouble. Imagine the richness of a relationship where you speak to God throughout the day, thanking Him for small victories, asking for guidance in the mundane, and relying on His Spirit to carry you through both the highs and the lows.
Psalm 42:1 says, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." This longing should define our relationship with God—a deep, daily desire to be in His presence, knowing that without Him, we are nothing.
Conclusion: A Life of Continuous Dependence
Let’s stop treating God like a “take as needed” prescription. We weren’t made to only reach out when we’re at our wit’s end. We were made to live in constant communion with Him, dependent on His love, guidance, and grace every second of every day.
As we walk through life, let’s remember that we need Him just as much when things are going well as we do when we’re facing trials. Seek Him daily, trust Him continuously, and experience the joy of living every moment with Him by your side.
Scripture References:
Acts 17:28
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lamentations 3:22-23
Matthew 6:11
Psalm 42:1
May we cultivate a lifestyle that seeks and depends on God not occasionally, but always.
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