self-de·pend·ence
When I got my first bike, it came with training wheels on both sides because I didn’t know how to balance yet. After a lot of practice, I finally removed one side, then the other. I still remember the pride I felt the moment I could ride on my own (just like the big kids). That experience gave me one of my first tastes of self-dependence.
As I grew older, I carried that same mindset into other areas of life. Instead of asking for help, I pushed myself to figure things out alone, chasing that same feeling of pride in doing it “by myself.” It also didn’t help that I grew up in a time where society promoted independence and self-reliance. Personal achievement, freedom, and autonomy were valued over community and interdependence. The “self-made” individual was a celebrated hero.
The issue was how I misinterpreted the pride I felt in doing things "by myself." According to Jeremiah 17:5, "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh." This kind of self-reliance creates unnecessary stress and anxiety, when we try to carry burdens meant for God, it prevents us from experiencing His provision.
How to Shift to God-Dependence
Acknowledge it: Admit to God that you’ve been carrying the load yourself.
Pray daily surrender: Begin with, “Lord, I give You my plans and decisions.”
Use Scripture: Anchor your heart with verses like Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Ask for help: Trust God by letting others in—don’t carry everything alone.
Celebrate His provision: When God comes through, write it down. Build a record of His faithfulness.
Think about an area of your life where you’ve been carrying all the burden by yourself—maybe finances, family, or work and make a shirt and release it to God.
Let’s Pray. Dear Heavenly Father, I confess that too often I rely on my own strength instead of Yours. Help me to lay down my pride, fear, and control, and lean fully on You. Teach me to trust You in every decision and to walk in Your strength, not mine. Thank You for being faithful and for carrying the weight I was never meant to carry. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
