Trusting in God alone in every area of life is a key part of the Christian faith. Here are some practical ways to depend on God alone according to the Bible:
1. Trust God to Provide for Your Needs
One of the most basic ways to depend on God is to trust Him to provide for your daily needs. Jesus taught us not to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear, but to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:25-34). God promises to supply all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). We can demonstrate trust in His provision by being content with what we have, thanking God for daily provisions, giving generously to others, and avoiding anxious thoughts about material needs.
2. Rely on God for Wisdom and Direction
Instead of leaning on our own understanding, we are called to trust God for wisdom and direction in every decision we make (Proverbs 3:5-6). We can pray and ask God to guide our steps, provide clarity, and reveal His will for important life decisions such as relationships, jobs, where to live, etc. We demonstrate dependence on God by patiently waiting on His timing, acting only when we have peace, and staying open to changing course if He leads us in a new direction.
3. Trust in God’s Sovereign Control Over All Things
Since God is all-powerful, all-knowing and ever-present, we can be confident that He is in complete control over everything that happens (1 Chronicles 29:11-12). Nothing takes God by surprise or happens without His permission. Even when life feels out of control or chaotic, we can find security in knowing God is sovereign. We can surrender control to Him in difficult circumstances, trusting that He will work all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
4. Believe God’s Promises and Remain Faithful Through Trials
When we face trials, fears or uncertainty, we demonstrate dependence on God by believing in His promises. For example, when battling fear and anxiety, we can claim God’s peace through verses like Philippians 4:6-7 and Isaiah 26:3. In suffering, we can trust in God’s purpose and take comfort in future hope (Romans 8:28, Revelation 21:4). We can rely on God’s strength when we feel powerless (2 Corinthians 12:9). The key is standing on His promises regardless of changing circumstances.
5. Trust in God’s Power to Help You Overcome Sin and Temptation
We all battle with sin, but God has given us His Spirit to empower us to overcome temptation and walk in obedience (Galatians 5:16-17). Instead of trying to fight sin in our own strength, we need to humbly rely on God’s power to transform us, trusting that He is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24). We demonstrate dependence when we quickly run to God in repentance and faith after giving in to temptation, rather than wallowing in guilt and shame.
6. Delight Yourself in the Lord Above All Else
The best way to depend on God alone is to find your greatest joy and satisfaction in Him. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). When God is our supreme treasure and focus of worship, we find freedom from idolatry and earthly attachments. We can rejoice in Him regardless of our circumstances (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Positioning God as our sole source of security, identity and happiness equips us to rest fully in who He is.
7. Surrender Your Plans and Be Willing to Obediently Follow God
Dependence on God means surrendering our personal plans and agendas to follow Him obediently each day. “Lord, what will you have me do?” (Acts 9:6) should be our daily posture. As we pray, read Scripture and listen for God’s leading, we must remain willing to adjust our course and trust in His plans over our own. We can submit each day to Him and act according to His wisdom rather than our own.
8. Trust God to Fight Your Battles and Give You the Victory
We can demonstrate dependence on God by trusting in His power and deliverance in our trials rather than resorting to our own strength and retaliating. He promises to fight for us (Exodus 14:14). By praying, worshiping God in trials and even thanking Him in advance, we can rely on Him to give us victory over suffering, injustice and spiritual warfare (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).
9. Confess Your Weakness and Ask God to Empower You
Pride and self-sufficiency can prevent us from relying wholeheartedly on the Lord. But God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). A posture of humility acknowledges our deep need for God’s strength and daily grace to walk with Him. When we confess “without You I can do nothing” (John 15:5), we open the door for the Spirit to empower us beyond our natural abilities.
10. Cast Your Cares on the Lord Rather Than Bearing Burdens Alone
Many times, we try to carry our worries and burdens alone rather than casting them on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7). But bearing burdens we were never meant to carry will only lead to burnout or panic. God wants us to come to Him first with all of our needs – physical, emotional, spiritual. Running to the Lord in dependent prayer when we feel weighed down by stressors enables Him to lift the load and give us supernatural peace and rest.
11. Ask God to Reveal Any Areas of Misplaced Dependence
Due to our fallen nature, it’s easy to rely on lesser things instead of God alone. We can become dependent on our money, job, relationships, abilities or possessions for security and happiness, when God is the only sure foundation. Asking Him to search our hearts and reveal any idols we have yet to surrender can help strengthen exclusive reliance on Him (Psalm 139:23-24).
12. Wait Patiently on God’s Timing Rather Than Acting Impulsively
Human nature tends to be impatient. We want to see prayers answered and hopes fulfilled now according to our schedule. But Isaiah 40:31 says that those who “wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” Waiting requires faith that God’s timing is perfect even when it feels slow. Resisting the urge to manipulate outcomes demonstrates trust in the Lord’s sovereign and loving control over all things.
13. Persevere in Obedience Even When Life Gets Difficult
When circumstances are comfortable, depending on God can feel easier. But when trials come and God’s commands seem costly or difficult, our natural response may be questioning Him or pursuit of comfort. But Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Him even through hardship (Luke 9:23). God uses trials to refine and strengthen our faith, purifying it like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7). Persevering in obedience demonstrates exclusive reliance on Him.
14. Give God Credit for Any Successes or Victories Rather Than Yourself
It’s tempting to pat ourselves on the back when something goes right. But true dependence on God requires acknowledging that every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17). When we experience victory in spiritual warfare, provision, healing, new ministry opportunities or other breakthroughs, our posture should be gratitude for what God has done rather than pride in our efforts. Giving God glory pleases and honors Him.
15. Trust in God’s Faithfulness When You Feel Like Giving Up
When fatigue, discouragement or hopelessness sets in, we may be tempted to throw in the towel on faith altogether. But feelings cannot be our guide. God remains faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). Clinging to truths about God’s character rather than giving in to despair demonstrates reliance on Him. He renews strength and reminds us He is still sovereign, good and for us (Isaiah 40:27-31).
16. Believe God Can Redeem and Use You Despite Failures and Weaknesses
Since God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), failures and limitations are opportunities to better depend on Him. We can still boldly serve God as cracked vessels. When plagued by guilt over our sins or shortcomings, we can rest in God’s grace and forgiveness. And when we feel disqualified due to weaknesses, God’s strength shines brighter through those gaps. His power, not perfection, is the source of our usefulness.
17. Cultivate Regular Spiritual Disciplines to Deepen Your Walk With God
Consistent habits like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, worship, fellowship and service help strengthen our reliance on God. They put us in a posture of humility and remind us of our deep need for Christ. They also open channels for the Holy Spirit to increase faith, transform character, impart wisdom, and empower ministry. We depend less on God when we neglect spiritual disciplines that position us to receive from Him.
18. Hold Loosely to Earthly Things Knowing God Alone is Eternal
Keeping an eternal perspective guards against placing undue value on earthly things which will ultimately fade away. Jesus urges us to store up eternal treasures rather than earthly ones (Matthew 6:19-21). When we cling tightly to relationships, careers, possessions or comfort, anxiety takes root. But when we hold these things loosely and keep hearts anchored in heaven, we live with open hands – depending fully on God who reigns forever.
19. Accept That God’s Ways Are Higher Than Yours Rather Than Doubting His Methods
God’s ways don’t always make sense according to human logic. His timing confuses us. His callings feel illogical. His silence perplexes us. But Scripture cautions that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). He sees the full picture while we see only a pixel. When God’s plan mystifies us, we can still trust in His loving wisdom and perfection. His foolishness is wiser than our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25).
20. Believe God Desires to Use You and Has a Purpose for Your Life
It’s easy to feel purposeless when struggling through mundane seasons or living with limitations. But God’s Word says He has plans for us, plans to prosper and not harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). He has prepared good works for each of us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Believing that God wants to use you, in spite of weaknesses or CD circumstances, energizes purpose. We can dependence on Him to reveal next steps.
21. Let Go of Need for Total Clarity and Control
Walking by faith rather than sight means moving forward without total clarity (2 Corinthians 5:7). The desire for certainty, predictability and control can prevent full reliance on God. But releasing need to understand everything helps us rest in God’s mysterious sovereignty. We can ask God simply for next steps without requiring a full roadmap. When the future feels uncertain, we find security in knowing Who holds it.
22. Ask the Holy Spirit to Guide and Teach You God’s Truth
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would teach and remind us of His words (John 14:26). As the Counselor and Revealer of truth, we can depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us rather than merely relying on our effort or intellect. With moral questions and confusing Bible passages, we can ask the Spirit to illuminate God’s wisdom. Checking conclusions with the Spirit rather than defaulting to human reasoning cultivates ongoing dependence.
23. Remain in Continual Communication With God Through Prayer
Compared to God, humans are limited in perspective. We need His constant input through prayer in order to walk in wisdom and truth. Jesus said His sheep know His voice and are led by it (John 10:27). Declaring complete dependence on God through prayer acknowledges our inability to navigate life successfully apart from His supernatural guidance and provision. Consistently praying without ceasing enables wise responses to every situation.
24. Immediately Pray for Help Rather Than Self-Reliance in Times of Trouble
When crisis hits, our instinct is often to spring into self-reliant action. But Scripture urges us to first call on God in day of trouble (Psalm 50:15). He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Even non-believers can get God’s attention by crying out for help in desperate times (Jonah 2:2-9). Running to prayer in hardship, instead of autopilot “fix-it” mode, fosters deeper dependence on God.
25. Cultivate Intimacy With God Through His Word, Worship and Obedience
Dependence flows out of relationship. The more we know and love someone, the more apt we are to rely on them. The same applies in our walk with God. Intimacy fuels trust. Reading Scripture, biblical meditation, worship, fasting and obedience help us know God better. They remind us of His character and draw our affections toward Him. Intimacy breeds confidence that enables surrender and reliance.
In summary, maintaining an attitude of complete dependence on God impacts every area of life. As we learn to rely on His provision, wisdom, strength and sovereignty rather than our own, He receives the glory due His name. And we find freedom, rest and victory in trusting Him fully whether in abundance or need, clarity or confusion, joy or sorrow. God invites us to draw continually near to Him so that He can demonstrate His faithfulness as we walk together.