When I first began reading my old NIV Bible many years ago, and I came across the word "simplehearted," I imagined someone who was foolish, unwise, or irrational. Then I looked more closely at how my study Bible defined a simplehearted person: "The person who is childlike in his sense of dependence on and trust in the Lord." All of a sudden, it dawned on me that being simplehearted is something that God values and looks for.

Before I began studying the Scriptures for myself, it never occurred to me that the Lord valued people who leaned heavily upon Him. I had some understanding about Jesus appreciating childlike faith, but I never dreamed that He wanted us to be heavily dependent upon Him. Perhaps I was afraid to use my faith as a "crutch" as some unbelievers claim. Once I got a hold of the truth, I began to see God's hand working mightily in my life.

I began making a list of Scriptures that talk about living a life of dependence upon the Lord. James 4:10 (NLT) says: "When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor." Who couldn't use a little more "honor" in their life? Lamentations 3:25 (NLT) says: "The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him." We will see more of the goodness of God in our lives as we lean more heavily upon Him and His leadership. The apostle Paul said, "I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ's mighty power that works within me." (Colossians 1:29 NLT) Paul depended on Christ for his strength, and we can do the same thing. Jesus Himself said, "I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord - but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]." (John 5:30 AMP) If the Master needed to depend on the Father for wisdom and guidance, how much more do we?

The Passion Translation of Psalm 116:6 says: "So I've learned from my experience that God protects the childlike and humble ones. For I was broken and brought low, but He answered me and came to my rescue!" Our God is committed to saving and protecting those who depend on and trust in His power, wisdom, and goodness. Does that describe you today?

Prayer: Lord, I don't want to live my life apart from You in any way. Teach me how to depend on You in every area of my life, just as Jesus did. Help me to do all of my work depending on Your mighty power, instead of my own strength. Thank You that as I continually admit my dependence upon You, You will lift me up and give me greater honor than ever before!