Joy in Dependence

Confessing the need for dependence upon God in all things garners the approval of Christians. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to witness a Christian display characteristics in demonstration of their self-reliance.

This is not a crass statement against believers who have not attained to a level of spirituality that this author arrogantly supposes to have grasped; rather, it is an observation.  Completely trusting in Christ Jesus at all times, in all ways, and for all things in total absolute and unmitigated dependence is not a simple and passive walk in the park.  The Christian life is filled with perilous difficulty where the believer is tempted to trust in his/her own wares. Now, this is not a 'long is the row I hoe' lament where feeling sorry for one's self is going to be baptized in Christian ease. Here is my advice; get over yourself, trust in Jesus fully, find joy in Him alone. Resting in Christ Jesus through every circumstance only makes Him shine brighter.

Instead of spiraling down into the pit of despair where no joy can be found, where difficulty surrounds its victims breathing threats of hopeless-futility, stand as a dependent of Christ and joyfully rest in the arms of the Great Shepherd. In Christ Jesus, indestructible joy transcends the circumstances of this world and a believer can stand in the joy of dependence upon God. A Christian's joy is found not in things of the world but in the unvarnished inheritance kept in heaven, which is secure in hope of future glory, where there is great joy. Joy does not come from the ability to succeed, doing what is right, or favorable circumstances; rather, joy is found in Jesus alone, with hope of future glory, while trusting in Christ.

Read carefully. Even if this appears like 'pie in the sky' reasoning, where life is dimly lit with hues of grey only to be swept away in the end; it is because the magnitude of God's glory in the current life cannot be fully grasped. Yet, it is not as though God's glory has not be revealed. "The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims His handiwork," Ps 19:1. If God's glory is dimmed, it is because the truth of God is suppressed in the unrighteousness of men. If joy is dimmed, it is due to dependence upon something other than the immortal and invisible God.

If God cannot be seen for who He is, then the joy of depending upon Him will ever be elusive. If God's glory is unattractive and feeble in the eyes of man, it is due to a lack of spiritual discernment and not because God's glory is dull or pale. When grasped rightly, the glory of God seen in the face of Jesus Christ brings great joy, not merely in the future, but here and now. There is great joy in beholding the glory of God; this joy is manifest in unmitigated dependence upon the Almighty.

The joy of dependence comes when this life is held loosely, and the things of the world are esteemed rightly. Joy comes when the all sufficient Master Jesus Christ is held tightly and He is rightly esteemed.