Women are incited to be independent today. They don’t need a man. They don’t need God. They can run their own lives.
But independence is an ugly thing. It was the spirit of independence that drove Satan out from the glory of God in heaven. He didn’t want to submit to God. He wanted to be his own God. Isaiah 14:13-15 tells us his attitude: “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God . . . I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
In the Song of Solomon, we see a picture of the bride of Christ. It also speaks of the church and to us as individuals. She goes into the wilderness full of confidence and independence, but how does she come out? Song 8:5 says: “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?” She has now learned that her greatest blessing and power is to lean upon her Beloved.
We all have to learn this lesson, don’t we? When we first embark upon motherhood, we often begin with an independent spirit. We are still selfish and want to live our own life.
But God gently works in our hearts by His Holy Spirit. He deals with our pride and independence. As we face the challenges of motherhood from babyhood right through to their becoming young men and women we find we have no wisdom of our own. We are cast upon God. Unless we lean on Him for His wisdom, His strength, and His guidance we make a mess of everything.
Dependence upon God is to trust Him completely. He is bigger than every challenge we face. He is our Rock. No matter how hard we lean on Him, He will never fail us.
Let’s learn to be learners. “Dear Father, I lean on You today. I ask for Your wisdom. I rely on Your strength. I thank You that I can trust my whole life with You. Amen.”
The old hymn we love to sing encourages us to lean on the everlasting arms. His arms will never let us fall. Deuteronomy 33:27 promises us: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Another hymn says:
Just lean upon the arms of Jesus,
He’ll brighten the way, brighten the way;
Just follow gladly where He leadeth,
His gentle voice obey.
Lean on His arms, trusting in His love;
Lean on His arms, all His mercies prove;
Lean on His arms, looking home above,
Just lean on the Savior’s arms!
Will you lean upon Him today?
Love from Nancy Campbell