When I teach my children new skills, I intend for them to learn it and be able to do it themselves. When they were babies, I had to do every single thing for them, but as they grow older, my job as a parent is to teach them to do things independently. My 8-year old doesn't ask me for a cup of water every single time he is thirsty, my 6-year old doesn't ask for help to get dressed, and my 3-year old knows where to find his shoes. We appreciate this kind of independence, but this is not the way it works in our relationship with God.
Does God want us to be independent as we get confident in our new-found skills? I don't think so. As we take up that task we are not so confident in, those of us who know God would probably pray and ask for his help. But what happens as days go by? We probably get used to doing this task, we're getting better at it, and we don't have that same reliance on the Lord as we first did.
My kids and I are going through the part about the Israelites' journey through the Promised Land in our morning Bible time. As I narrate the Bible stories to my sons, I am amazed by the ability of this one man to lead the huge bunch of grumbling, complaning Israelites through an unpredictable wilderness. While it is no simple task to be a leader in any capacity, what stands out to me most at this time is Moses' dependence on God.
He seems to have mastered the habit of taking every situation to the Lord. Pharaoh's heart hardened? He called out to God. The Israelites grumbling against him? He cried out to God (Exodus 17:4). Feeling disappointed? He went to the Lord (Exodus 5:22). Did he have a request? He asked the Lord (Exodus 8:12). Faced by a problem? He took it to the Lord (Exodus 15:25). He even interceded on behalf of the very people who kept complaining against him (Exodus 32:11). What a great response! He didn't think of himself as a great and experienced leader, able to handle things himself. Instead, he recognized he was out there just doing what his Master has called him out to do. And Moses knew, the best way to do it is God's way.
As we experience more of the Lord, may we grow in our dependence on Him. Like Moses, let us go to Him in every situation -- joy, sorrow, fear, disappointment, shame, anger, embarassment, pain, guilt, everything! There is nothing He cannot handle. Yes, He loves to listen to us, and He is only a thought away.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)
