Few delights can equal the presence of the one whom we trust utterly. — George MacDonald

Life is filled with little burdens—lots of them. You know, the details of life like bills and carpools and in-laws (not my in-laws, of course). The flesh tells me that God is pleased when I carry the load, that He will help me when I help myself—particularly on the trivial, little stuff.

Sure, I know I can trust God to carry the burden on the things that are beyond my ability—like getting me to Heaven or curing a child’s cancer… or getting me out of a speeding ticket (ahem). But why should I bother Him with the small stuff when He has all these wars and earthquakes to deal with when I can deal with it myself? Another good question. Why exercise faith and trust Him in the little things?

Because God evaluates “success” differently than we do. We measure “success” based on what the flesh can produce, whereas God measures success based on the degree of trust we show.

Choosing to do things myself is called independence—the exact opposite of moment-by-moment dependence that brings intimacy with God through trusting Him.

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. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Walking in the Spirit is how we have been designed to live as followers of Christ—every day, every moment, through every burden, large or small. This intimate dependency is part of our new identity in Christ!