Worship as Dependence on Jesus

So much of our world tells us to be strong, independent, and confident. I grew up built on the foundation of independence and self-worth, and an ambitious feminism that gave me gigantic false confidence. Slowly, but surely, in God’s great love for me- He is changing my heart.

When I am in need- I am SO VERY SLOW to depend on Christ. When I am weary…

Matthew 10: 28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus is my example for Dependence:

Periodically, I think of my Lord Jesus, as a baby. I marvel at the Incarnation. Wrapping my brain around that point of theology- could possibly take years.  Nonetheless, I imagine Jesus sometimes as a young boy- because I have two sons. Sometimes we talk about Jesus as a son and how he never sinned, so he never got a spanking. My kids love to hear that, it gives them hope! He was the best brother and son anyone could ever want. As a mom, as a Christian, I am amazed that God came as a man- I can imagine Jesus  as a baby, boy, then man. Still God-yet in his youth- fully dependent on Mary and Joseph- stewards of God.

As I care for my baby, I am humble by her “deep need” for me. Her survival is based on my caring for her.  I provide her food, clothing, soap, nurture, comfort, kisses, etc. Her dependence keeps her alive!  Gradually, she gains independence, which is good. Physically, she can start to care for herself. Like my oldest son, who showers himself, gets his own breakfast, dresses himself, and anything else I would like for him to do himself, he is capable. I like that! But, my husband and I desire our sons and daughters to still “depend” on us. We want them to gain understanding on how to live, function, work, but in their hearts depend on God. Emotionally, we pray that they depend on us, need us, long for sweet relationships, deep connection, and evenutally we will enjoy adult friendship with them.

Jesus is my example for how to depend on God. He matured physically yet he still depended on His father. Though, I am a sinner, Jesus still wants my dependence. It is worshipful for me to offer my weakness, boast in them, and with empty hands offer my dependence as worship.

When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus appealed to Father and quoted scriptures to fight against Satan. Jesus, again is the example for dependence. Jesus being God shows me that while he was a incarnate, He showed his dependence on His father.

God wants me to BOAST in my WEAKNESSES. 

Most of the time, weakness and dependence are interchangeable for me. Yet, as Christ shows me my needs- He is showing me that it is could to boast in my weakness and needs- so that I will boast in my insufficiency and HIS AMAZING sufficiency.

 1 Corinthians 10:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

Boasting in my weaknesses is worship? I must admit I am not capable to “do” my life. But, “in Christ, ” I am. I must confess that the weed of independence robs my heart of security God offers me. Independence is a lie. Dependence is worship.

Dependence on Jesus is increasing in my heart- quietly and consistently and it whispers I believe that Jesus is ABLE, FAITHFUL, and in my worship- I get to depend on GOD.

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