This week…Utterly Dependent
I have been re-reading Deuteronomy for the last week or so. There is much to take note of throughout these chapters, but what I’ve been struck with most is our utter dependence on God. In Deuteronomy 6 God warns His people through Moses when houses are richly stocked, when one gets water from wells one has not dug or food from land one did not work “be careful not to forget the Lord” because He gave this all to you. It’s easy to forget our dependence on God when nearly everything is just “magically” provided for us.
In chapter 8 we are encouraged again to “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful…” (Deut. 8:18) Nothing we do is done by us. Everything we have is given. (James 1:17) Moses and the Israelites receive a pep talk in chapter 9 about conquering the Anakites (huge, intimidating, strong people) and they are warned about pride when they beat them. “It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land….You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not – you are a stubborn people.” (Deut. 9:5,6)
This week I am reminded that God is sovereign over all things. The fact that I have food to eat, clothes to wear, a home as shelter, a job for steady income and land to occupy is not because I worked for it, brought success or am good enough to deserve it. Everything I have comes from God. I am careful not to forget, careful to remember how utterly dependent I am on my Creator.
