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Overalls: Blank NYC | Bow Blouse: similar here and here | Booties (similar here) | Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (under $20!) | Lipstick: Maybelline

What does it mean to be dependent on God in an independent world? As teens, we want independence. As women, we want independence. As a nation, we want independence. But if you ask me, I’d rather not do it all on my own. There is freedom in submission. I can't move any mountains for myself. I’m not strong enough, I’m not smart enough, I’m not brave enough…but with God? I believe He can help me do anything, so I go to Him for everything.

Independence Day always has a way of reminding me of my dependence on God…I think it’s even the title itself that jogs my memory and resets my focus...my dependence.

How To Be Dependent On God In An Independent World

1. Ask the Holy Spirit

The Bible says the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13). He’s my helper, my leader, my guidance. (P.S. I found this article which includes 50 things the Holy Spirit does in your life if you’re interested via Charisma Magazine)

Application: When you wake up in the morning, invite the Holy Spirit to be involved in every part of your day…before you roll over and take a look at your phone.

Romans 12:1-2 | "So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

2. Ask the Lord

As a Christian, of course I’ve asked Jesus into my heart…but have I asked Him to be Lord of my life?  This simply means He has full control in every regard…every category and compartment of my world.

Application: When you experience a challenge or difficulty, ask the Lord what He wants you to do before you call your best friend to complain about life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 | "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

3. Ask the Father

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but dads LOVE to take care of their kids. Not only their needs, but also their desires! And if you ask me, there’s something extra special about a daughter. Even though we think in earthly terms (and therefore apply whatever we know of a natural “dad” to God), imagine how a PERFECT father would treat you! He never messes up and always comes through. Not only is He perfect, but His resources are endless...so what would you ask for?

Application: Ask for your needs, but also ask for your wildest desires. Make big requests known to God. Ask Him to take care of you.

Philippians 4:6-7 | "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I hope you find this encouraging on Independence Day! I included a few sales going on and if you keep scrolling, you'll find more Scriptures on the topic. Happy Fourth!

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters." Psalm 23:1-2

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8

"Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge." Psalm 16:1

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

Happy 4th of July!

Jess

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