Rely on God
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Definition and Importance
Relying on God refers to the act of placing one's trust and confidence in God’s wisdom, strength, and provision rather than in human understanding or resources. This reliance is a fundamental aspect of faith and is emphasized throughout the Bible as essential for a believer's spiritual journey and relationship with God.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of relying on God is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the importance of surrendering human reasoning in favor of divine guidance.

Old Testament Examples
The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals and nations relying on God. Abraham's faith in God's promise, despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness, exemplifies reliance on God (Genesis 15:6). Similarly, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness under Moses' leadership required them to depend on God's provision and protection, as seen in Exodus 16, where God provided manna from heaven.

King David frequently expressed his reliance on God, particularly in the Psalms. In Psalm 18:2 , David declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This imagery underscores the security and strength found in trusting God.

New Testament Teachings
The New Testament continues to emphasize reliance on God, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, encourages believers not to worry about their needs but to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that all necessary things will be provided (Matthew 6:33).

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of relying on God's power and grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts God's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This statement reveals that reliance on God is not only about trusting in His provision but also embracing His strength in times of personal weakness.

Practical Application
Relying on God involves a daily commitment to prayer, reading Scripture, and seeking His will in all aspects of life. It requires humility, recognizing human limitations, and the need for divine intervention. Believers are called to cast their anxieties on God, as instructed in 1 Peter 5:7 : "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

Challenges and Encouragement
While relying on God is a central tenet of faith, it can be challenging, especially in a world that values self-sufficiency and control. Believers may struggle with doubt or fear, but Scripture offers encouragement. Isaiah 41:10 reassures, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Conclusion
The call to rely on God is a timeless and transformative principle that invites believers to experience the fullness of God's love, power, and faithfulness. Through reliance on Him, believers find peace, direction, and strength to navigate the complexities of life.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Chronicles 4:11
And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basins. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 50:10
Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay on his God.
Topicalbible.org

Greek
3982. peitho -- to persuade, to have confidence
... 3982 () involves ", the result of (God's) " (, 422). ... by other fair means); reflexively
or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3982.htm - 10k
Library

Whether Presumption Relies on God, or on One's Own Power
... We proceed to the first article thus: 1. It seems that presumption, which is a sin
against the Holy Spirit, does not rely on God, but on one's own power. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article one whether presumption relies.htm

Letter iii. --Abandonment During Trials.
... can you depend on yourself in the very slightest degree for its attainment; on the
contrary you must beware of doing so, and rely on God only, grounding ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter iii abandonment during trials.htm

Divine Love, the Principle of all Good.
... It is made to feel how much it ought to despise them, and to rely on God alone,
abandoning itself absolutely to His infallible guidance. ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section ix divine love the principle.htm

Psalm 33 Part 2 Creatures Vain, and God All-Sufficient.
... He formed their hearts, he knows their ways; But God their Maker is unknown. Let
kings rely upon their host,. And of his strength the champion boast; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 33 part 2 creatures 2.htm

Letter xiv. --Remedies for Troubles.
... own excellence. This does not rely upon God for support, and besides,
is restless and always in a state of turmoil. The more we ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xiv remedies for troubles.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 24, "Hitherto have Ye Asked ...
... He learnt to rely upon God, and it remaineth that him whom the Law alarmed while
he relied upon himself, grace should assist now that he trusteth in God. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcv on the words.htm

Psalm 146:1. LM Praise to God for his Goodness and Truth.
... 4 Happy the man whose hopes rely On Israel's God: he made the sky, And earth and
seas with all their train, And none shall find his promise vain. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 146 1 0 l m praise.htm

Self Culture.
... SELF-RELIANCE. No man ever amounted to much who did not rely on God and
himself. The young man who whines around, waiting for some ...
/.../allen/autobiography of frank g allen minister of the gospel/ii self culture.htm

How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ...
... Then therefore it was that Moses began to encourage them, and to exhort them to
have a good heart, and rely on God's assistance by which they had been state of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the amalekites.htm

Psalm 146 Praise to God for his Goodness and Truth.
... And thoughts, all vanish in an hour. Happy the man whose hopes rely. On Isr'el's
God; he made the sky,. And earth, and seas, with all their train,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 146 praise to god.htm

Resources
How can I spiritually survive a severe physical trauma? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about strength? | GotQuestions.org

What are the differences between Catholics and Protestants? | GotQuestions.org

Rely: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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