but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31   NIV

 

Independence is often celebrated as a sign of maturity. We teach our children to tie their own shoes, make good decisions, and eventually stand on their own two feet.  At the same time, our culture tells us, “You don’t need anyone. Be strong, be self-sufficient.”

Then we have God’s word. Scripture seems to whisper (and sometimes shout) something different:

 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5   NIV

 

So which is it? Are we meant to be independent—or dependent on God?

Many of us wrestle with this tension. We don’t want to be passive or irresponsible, yet we also don’t want to live in prideful self-reliance. Somewhere along the way, “depending on God” got confused with weakness, while “independence’”became equated with strength.

Biblically speaking, this is not true. God calls us all to live with RESPONSIBLE independence.

When I first had my traumatic brain injury, I equated independence with all the things I could no longer do: walking freely, driving a car, running a marathon. Going where I wanted, when I wanted!

Ironically, my dependence on God skyrocketed at the same time. I knew innately I could not do anything without him.

The Lord is our guidepost. Scripture encourages wisdom, diligence, and growth. We are told to work, to steward our gifts, and to take responsibility for our lives.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Colossians 3:23   NIV

God doesn’t call us to laziness or helplessness. He created us with minds to think and hands to work. We all have choices to make. Healthy independence looks like maturity, discipline, and faithfulness in daily life.

…And Deep Dependence

At the same time, the Bible consistently warns against trusting ourselves as the source.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5   NIV

Dependence on God doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means recognizing who supplies the strength and wisdom, and who controls the outcome. Paul captures this beautifully:

 

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13   NIV

Notice Paul doesn’t say, “God does it instead of me.”

He says, “I do it—through Him.”

 

The Paradox of Faith

Christian maturity is not choosing independence or dependence. It’s living in both at the same time.-

• We plan—but we pray.
• We act—but we surrender results.
• We work—but we rest in God’s provision.

 

Jesus Himself modeled this. Though fully capable, He said,

 Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

John 4:19   NIV

If dependence was central to Jesus’ life, it certainly belongs in ours.

 

Being independent and dependent on God looks like:

• Making wise decisions while seeking God’s guidance
• Using your gifts while acknowledging them as gifts from Him
• Taking responsibility without carrying the weight alone
• Walking confidently but humbly

True freedom isn’t self-sufficiency. It’s knowing we are supported by a faithful God who invites us to walk with Him, not without Him and to trust Him with every step we take.

 

Dear Lord,

Help us to work diligently and trust deeply. Teach us when to step forward in faith and when to release control. We want to live responsibly, yet humbly.  Strong in You, not without You.

Remind us always that You are the very source of everything we do. Your Word reminds us that we can do nothing without You.

 

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