Have you developed a solid dependence on God? (130-5)

No leader can model faith in God until they have developed a consistent dependence on God. Read Psalm 147.

During the years between being anointed Israel’s future king and the time he actually started to rule in Israel, David was treated like a fugitive by the reigning king, Saul. It was during those difficult years that David learned dependence on God. David could model an emotional peace, even with informants directing Saul to his most remote hiding places, because he truly believed God had the power to sustain him. Listen to a few of the phrases David used to describe God’s reality and power:

• He determines the number of the stars and calls them by name (v. 4).
• He supplies the earth with rain and makes the grass grow on the hills (v. 8).
• He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call (v. 9).
• He grants peace to your borders (v. 14).
• He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes (v. 16).

David found ways to strengthen his dependence on God through focusing on elements in God’s character that were beyond men’s capability. David continually gave himself reminders of the works of God and it was these thoughts and words that cultivated and enhanced his dependence on God.

Today’s leaders live in a time when all forms of external dependence are being diminished in favor of personal authority; a time when there is a quest for autonomy rather than dependence. Yet from our own experience, most of us have seen times when our autonomous mindset was impotent. Like David, wise leaders find ways to develop a solid dependence on God.

Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”