The term “self-reliance” has been on my mind lately.
It seems like there is so much to do the older we get. We go from simple chore lists that include taking out the trash, mowing the lawn and getting our homework done on time to working 40+ hours/week, taking care of apartments or homes, providing for pets, kids or both and cultivating relationships through planning and events. Plus, you still have to find time to go to the grocery store, eat, budget and put out the other life fires that pop-up along the way.
And in all of that, self-reliance rears its head, telling us, “Get this done yourself.”
But then I catch myself reading in the book of Galatians, and the author talks about relying on Spirit, rather than ourselves alone, and that confuses me.
How does one does one do that, and what does it mean?
Does it mean only in a spiritual context of our souls, or does it mean more, even pertaining to life’s daily tasks?
How does one shift from feeling like all of life is dependent on oneself, into a feeling that life is actually more dependent on God’s provision?
I feel like shifting to that alternate mindset would make things easier and less stressful. Now, we just have to figure out how.
-Cliff
Cliff’s Note: Maybe prayer & petition can position us in enough humility to not rely totally on ourselves.