Naturally depend on God

In the midst of the persecution of the church, soon after Paul had been forced to leave Thesssalonica, he pens these words to his friends.

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The church was being radically persecuted. People were being imprisoned, killed for what they believed. They needed a game plan, a strategy for what they should do, how they would win the war.

Paul’s answer was to depend on God.

Notice how he begins each sentence.

• Verse 11, “May our God and Father” – direct our way
• Verse 12, “May they Lord” – increase your love for others
• Verse 13, “He May” – establish or strengthen your hearts

Paul’s life had been one of complete dependency on God. In and out of prisons, stoned, forced to leave cities, ship-wrecked, Paul had lived a true life on the run. He bounced from city to city facing hardship everywhere he went as he shared the Gospel.

From the time he met Jesus, Paul knew know other way to do life other than completely trusting God. He was lifeless, powerless, hopeless without this dependency.

The same is true of us; however, we don’t recognize the need to depend on God.

The parable of the sower in Matthew 13 cites one of our main problems, “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches.”

The things of this world naturally pull us away. Be it money, material possessions, worry over work, concern about health, anxiety over wondering if one is good enough, over and over we are pulled to depend on ourselves. So much is out of our control, but we take over the steering wheel without even noticing.

So, how do we get in the habit of naturally depending on God?

Live a life that revolves around Scripture. Biblical truth must permeate your mind, your soul.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalm‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Through His Word, God provides strength, clarity, and peace. Through His Word, God communicates, encourages, directs, and gives hope. Through His Word, God calls us to depend on Him.

And, only when we depend on Him do we find true, everlasting peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Just run to Him.

Impact others. Live generously.