Daily Devotional Series: The Posture of Dependance

Feb 22, 2025

Day 18 Month 2

Matt 18:1-14, Acts 25:1-12, Psalm 40, Leviticus 8-10

"As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God." — Psalm 40:17

Who are you? A lawyer? A doctor? A faithful volunteer? A mother or father? A success story? A failure or disappointment? How you answer that question reflects the posture of your heart toward God.

In Psalm 40, David describes himself as poor and needy. He knew who he was, and from that knowledge flowed a deep dependence on God. David looked to the Lord as his help and deliverer—nothing else could save him. Nothing. Out of this understanding, he leaned into God’s character. He recognized that the Lord did not delight in sacrifices or require burnt offerings and sin offerings; rather, God desired his heart. And from that heart-capturing relationship arose a spirit of obedience: “I delight to do your will” (Psalm 40:8).

Obedience is not a product of willpower. It flows from a spirit of dependence—one like that of a child. That’s why Jesus calls His disciples to become like children in Matthew 18. He declares that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven are those who humble themselves like a child. This doesn’t mean only those under the age of 12 will reign in glory with Christ. Rather, it’s about faith. Faith is the root of dependence, and it is expressed through obedience.

This is why the cautionary tale of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 is so important. Shortly after the establishment of the priesthood, Aaron’s sons offered a sacrifice before the Lord. On the surface, their act seemed right—they had been given the task of presenting sacrifices as priests to make atonement for the people. However, their zeal (or perhaps their arrogance) led them outside the boundaries God had set. They offered unauthorized fire, and the consequence of their disobedience was death. God does not desire obedience driven by sheer willpower but by a heart of dependence—one rooted in faith in His promises.

It is through this faith that we experience true freedom—not bound by law but by grace. Paul, as he navigated the Roman judicial system, found himself caught between being poor and needy and taking action against unjust accusations. He appealed to his rights as a Roman citizen and eventually stood before Caesar. On the surface, this might seem like an act of human grit and willpower. But Paul did this as an expression of faith in God’s promise: “So you must testify also in Rome” (Acts 23:11). His dependence on God was not passive; it was active trust in the One who had spoken.

So then, living with a spirit of dependence isn’t about what we do—it’s about whom we look to as our help and deliverer. It’s about whom we listen to as our guide and whom we walk toward in obedience.

Today, God’s will for you is simple: Trust Him. Look to His promises as the foundation for your actions. Let go of any pride that tempts you to stand on your own ability or achievements. Instead, stand on the grace of God in Jesus—the One who gives you His ultimate promise of eternal life.