There is only One we are to depend on. Let John 15:5 be emblazoned on our hearts. Apart from Him we can do nothing. Yet Paul boldly proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

We often fall into the trap of self-dependence. It always ends in disaster. I started to memorize Colossians 1:24. Paul wrote, “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you…” He wrote this to a church he did not start. He loved the folks there because of their faith, their love for others, their hope, and their fruit. 

He reminded them in verse 21 that they were once alienated and enemies in their minds. Yet Jesus gave His fleshly body as a sacrifice. He suffered in His flesh to bear the sins of the world. Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…”

This truth is amplified in Psalm 2:4 which says of those who oppose Him. “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.” I have this verse taped to my refrigerator door to pray. Psalm 33:10 says, “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.”

1 Corinthians 15:28 says, “Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.”

The earth that He created, and all the things man has added over the years are in His hands. 2 Peter 3:10-11 says, “…both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved…” Verse 14 says, “…be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”

Our God knows all things. There is nothing in our lives that He is not aware of. If you have hidden sin, let this verse be an awakening. Hebrews 4:13 Amplified says, “And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.”

Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” According to Psalm 103:10, mercy is not getting what we deserve. 

We may sin against others, but in truth we have sinned against God. David’s words come from a heart that was convicted. He tried to hide his sin with Bathsheba, but the Lord’s eyes saw it all.

Psalm 51:4 says, “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight…”

I love the word ‘all’ because it is total, inclusive, and has no exceptions. Five times Paul used the words ‘all things’ in three verses. I noticed them as I was memorizing Colossians 1:16-18.

By Him all things were created, all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. That in all things He may have the preeminence, capped them off.

I love to use these when I pray or worship. He is All Powerful, All Knowing,  and All Present, or Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. Hebrews 6:13 says that because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself. It makes me smile every time I read it.

Hebrews 1:2 says, “Has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Verse 3 says, “…upholding all things by the word of His power…”

Humility is the key to walking in grace. James 4:6 says, “…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Verse 10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Psalm 145:14 says, “The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.” Verse 18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”

Calling out to the Lord in our need, is an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him. Dependence is the posture of humility. That is where grace steps in. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

I like to think about this. Take a long human hair and weave it in and out of a heavy chain ~ weakness being made perfect through strength. Humility is empowered through His grace.