Russell Media - Laurie

No other time in history have we perceived ourselves to be as self-dependent as we are now. In many parts of the world, if we need food, we're not required to grow it or to catch it. Our stores are loaded with food with a shelf life that is longer than the lifespan of my pets.

In the past we worked hard to land “the job” at a large corporation that would one day usher us into retirement. But, thanks to the personal computer, we’re now able start our own businesses, work from home and create our own future. We no longer have to depend on the big boss.

Women now have to opportunity to marry or stay single by choice and work their way up the ladder in their chosen career. Motherhood no longer requires a husband.

Science has even extended the maternal clock and made conception possible without doing…you know – “it.”We can even self-diagnose illnesses with the aid of the web.

Our dependency on each other has dwindled and our ability to take care of ourselves has grown. We jump hurdles and enjoy patting our selves on the back with each accomplishment. It does feel good, empowering – but does it come at a cost? Where is our dependency on God?

What happens when the task is too high – when science fails, the start-up struggles, the foreclosure notice arrives or you discover the chemicals you ingested in your boxed food have made you sick?

These are the moments I usually search for God and have the nerve to ask, where are you? Why won’t you help me?

I was reading through Genesis this week. When I came to Jacob I was tempted to skim that section. I’ve never been a big fan of his, I mean, who likes a con man? I figure there was nothing to learn besides breeding my sheep in front of sticks with spots. But as I read it I saw many traits in Jacob that are in myself, primarily his struggle with self-dependence.

Realistically speaking, our society is not all that self-dependent – actually we may be more dependent but just in denial. I may not have to plow my backyard in order to eat, but I am relying on a company to put my box of cereal on the store shelf. I am able to work from home but only thanks to Steve Jobs (notice the last name, it was predestined) and the many tech geniuses who’ve created the technology enabling me to do so. (Should I be concerned that it took me a few tries to spell “geniuses” correctly?!) I'm dependent on others to provides these products and services in order for me to pursue my dreams.

We are dependent on each other and therefore our society survives. But are we really thriving? Is it possible to have all this and true joy if we don’t first go to God?

Self-dependency fuels anxiety, insecurity, bitterness, jealousy, etc. We’re never completely secure with the outcome and it depends on us.

The antithesis of self-dependency is the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We’re still unsure of the outcome but we have faith that God will see us through it.

Jacob wrestled with God and didn’t know it. He had to ask His name. Self-dependence blinded him to God’s presence. When Jacob submitted and asked God to bless him, God revealed himself. The Contemporary English Version translates God’s response, “Don’t you know who I am?’ Almost as if saying, “You haven’t seen me here all along?”

I do struggle with self-dependency. It’s hard for me to ask others for help. Even more critical, like Jacob, God is often who I ask for help last. Perhaps if I asked His name more, I’d see Him there, wrestling through the situation with me.

Do you struggle with self-dependency?

If so, what has God shown you in the midst of your wrestling matches?