Independence Isn’t Enough
By Paul Hargraves
My parents consistently encouraged me to develop a stronger sense of independence throughout my upbringing. Over time, I realized that, according to the Bible, we are not meant to navigate life in solitude but should foster connections. We are created to maintain relationships both with God and with other people.
This focus on relationships has been the core theme of our recent sermon series, reminding us of the importance of our connections with God, our families, and our community of believers for a fulfilling life. When we trust our relationship with Jesus, we find refuge in him. This trust goes beyond mere words; it fully involves our will. We can daily rely on Jesus, our families, and community members. Throughout the day, we often face situations that trigger worry and anxiety, beginning with a single thought that can spiral out of control. If we remain unaware, these anxious thoughts and feelings can overtake our day, commandeering our minds and hearts. Sometimes, I find myself wondering why I feel anxious, and I tend to ignore or numb those feelings with food, television, or other distractions. Food, especially, serves as a source of comfort for me, providing both taste and temporary solace. However, it would be more helpful to face and acknowledge my worries before they escalate.
“O taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who trusts and takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)
The Psalmist invites us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good” and notes that those who “trust and take refuge in him” are blessed, or in other words, truly happy. We can find refuge in the Lord whenever worry or anxiety overwhelms us. A refuge signifies a place of protection or shelter—essentially, a haven. It is a space we can rely on for support, relief, or comfort. Remember that Jesus is eager to be our refuge, accompanying us wherever we go, at any time. This dependence on Jesus brings joy and hope that uplifts and inspires us. We should intentionally seek him for help and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in managing our anxieties.
The Psalmist also writes,
“Be merciful to me, O God; be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in you, and in the shadow of your wings I will make my refuge until these calamities have passed by.” (Psalm 57:1)
We can all regularly pray this prayer. We should seek God daily, our perfect refuge. He provides shelter during life’s storms, especially in challenging times. Let’s trust him together by casting our cares and concerns upon him. Remember, those who find refuge in Jesus experience blessings and joy, receiving reassurance and comfort in his presence.
Consider the impact of families creating a refuge for the next generation. Parents, you play a vital role in establishing a safe environment by guiding your children to follow Jesus daily. Grandparents, you can also discover what it means to be a trusted adult in your grandchildren’s lives, directing them toward Jesus, our ultimate refuge. With approximately 30 million grandparents in the U.S., our intentional involvement is crucial in nurturing our grandchildren’s faith and equipping them to face challenges with confidence in Jesus. Grandchildren thrive in a supportive environment through your regular texts, calls, FaceTime, heartfelt cards, visits, sleepovers at your home, or any quality time spent together with their grandparents. My wife and I currently have seven grandchildren. Last year, we learned a lot about intentionally being a refuge and support for our grandchildren.
Join us alongside other grandparents who are eager to learn how to establish a lasting faith legacy. We will meet at Chapel Hill in the Gathering Place for the Grandparenting Summit 2025 on Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. This event offers a wonderful chance to connect with fellow Christian grandparents committed to making a difference in the next generation’s lives for Christ. The summit will include practical resources, inspiring insights, and a nurturing community to support you on your grandparenting journey. Among the speakers are Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel Ruth Wright, the daughter and granddaughter of the late evangelist Billy Graham, who will share the impact of four generations pursuing Jesus.
Together, we will explore ways to strengthen our bonds with our grandchildren and learn how to guide them toward a growing relationship with Jesus. We look forward to seeing you there. Register here.
Paul