“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”—Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

Dependence day? No, the title of this post is not a misspelling. I know today is a day that Americans celebrate Independence Day, but for me this time of the year is more than fireworks. Many may remember the exact day that they accepted Jesus into their hearts and lives. While I can vividly remember the day I did, I couldn’t tell you what day of the year it was. What I do know is that it happened 27 years ago a few weeks after my first husband’s death, which would be right around this date.

God’s love and acceptance of me altered my life, I went from being a woman who relied on self to being dependent on Jesus. Rather than seek self-fulfillment from other people or material possessions, I started seeking Jesus. Out of my desperation, I found something I didn’t know I needed. The only thing that could fill that empty hole in my heart was the love from my Heavenly Father. I am still growing and daily open myself up to His love and guidance.

Relying on my Lord and Savior enables me to turn from my old thought patterns and habits. Galatians 2:20 tells us that Christ lives in us. Our old self is gone when we surrender to God. He has given us the power to accomplish His will for us. In Christ we become a new person. Does this make me immune from worry? I wish I could say, yes, but I am human. However, because Christ lives in me, I am no longer a slave to that sin. Walking with the Spirit is total dependance on God. I do not walk in my own strength.

As I listen to the lyrics below from Found My Freedom in You by, I am They, tears fill my eyes. I did find a joy in Jesus. He did wrap His arms around me, Heaven broke through and the moment He found me I did and still do find my freedom in Jesus.
I found a joy I can't lose 
And thank God it's true 
You wrapped Your arms around me 
And Heaven broke through 
From the moment You found me 
I found my freedom in You

These words and the Gospel aren’t just for me, they are for EVERYONE! That is Good News that it isn’t just a select few who get to experience the presence of God within them. It doesn’t discriminate based on our denomination. It is available to every person that accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior into their hearts and lives.

When do you find yourself depending more on self than your Heavenly Father? What can you do to release that grip and hand it over to Jesus? If you know someone that is battling with this in their faith walk, share your struggles, so they know they aren’t alone in theirs.

 Father God,

Help me to remember that my hope in Jesus is my path to joy. Open my heart to the power and peace of Your love. Only you can begin and complete Your work in my heart. Forgive me when I try and control my circumstances. Direct my steps to walk in complete and total dependence on You. I pray for those who are having a hard time surrendering to You. I ask for eyes to be open in areas of both their life and mine that need to be released to You. Thank You for the freedom found in You. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

July Verse
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”—John 15:12

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