RELIANCE

Philippians 4:6

The Bible’s emphasis on prayer is thorough.  Jesus’ devotion to prayer is displayed throughout the gospels.  The epistles instruct us to pray without ceasing.  In Philippians, Paul instructs the church not to be anxious about anything but to go to pray to God ‘in everything.’  It can be a natural pitfall of the Christian life to press into God only in the midst of dilemma.  Our circumstances can provoke emotions and stresses that our beyond us, and drive us to the Lord.  The loss of a loved one, unemployment, a trip to the hospital, can move us to cry to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  At other times, we can feel comfortable in our situation.  We do not feel stretched or pressed, and our prayer life and intercession to God the Father can fade, and lack fervor.

Maturity in Jesus brings with it an understanding of our reliance on God.  As Jesus quoted, “man does not live on bread alone, but every word from the mouth of God.”  Our daily bread and strength comes from our relationship with God.  We are called to live a life in constant communication with the Holy Spirit.  Rather than relying on our own skills and abilities, like non-believers, we are to rely on the power and wisdom of God that is delivered to us through prayer.  Although we may be confident in where we are in life, and confident in what God is doing, we should remain constant in prayer, knowing that God is bringing us to a higher place.  We have been made to bring God worship and glory. 
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As a Christian, our life is to represent Jesus Christ, and to represent the overwhelming blessing of God in the midst of every situation.  This will always be achieved, everything will reveal God’s glory, but His glory revealed through our blessing and righteousness is revealed to our degree of relationship and reliance on Him.  As we acknowledge Him in all of our ways, and rely on Him even in the routine of life, understanding that if we can do something well in our own talents, He can do it extraordinarily operating through us.  May you rely on God and acknowledge Him in all you do, and may He make your path straight and use your life as a demonstration of His love, power, and blessing!