The plants that beautify our world depend on bees and butterflies to carry pollen from one flower to another. They also depend on sunshine, clean air, rich soil, water and weed removal so that they can grow tall and develop into the flowers, vegetables, grains, leaves, needles or fruit and nuts that they were created to do.

After I had been out of town for a few days visiting my grandchildren, I checked the progress of my garden. I noticed that, even though I had put a trellis among the peas, they started reaching over to the carrot row for support. However, the carrot tops cannot provide the support that peas need to stand straight and tall. Therefore, I had to carefully untangle those vines from the delicate carrot tops and bring them back to the more stable place I had provided for them.

As I did that, I began to wonder if we aren’t like those peas. We may look for stability in life by searching all around us except for what God has prepared. We might depend on our money but that will not protect us from danger. We might look to our position at work but that will not provide something to hold onto when times are tough. We might depend on good health but that, too, will fail us sooner or later.

Only God is the strong tower that we can run to for safety. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe,” (Proverbs 18:10 NIV).

Only God has perfect love for us. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Only God can grant us salvation. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast, (Galatians 2:8-9).

Only God can help us find a place among other believers so that we can encourage one another in our faith throughout daily life. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts,” (Colossians 3:16).

Ultimately, only God has been, is, and always be, everything that we need. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.” (Psalm 18:2).

We just celebrated Independence Day, commemorating a day in 1776 that the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence stating that the original American colonies were free from British rule. That was an important step in the development of our country.

However, I pray that we never declare ourselves independent from the God who created, provided salvation and sustains us throughout our lives. I pray that we cling to the one who can do all things and who is all things. “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy–to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen,” (Jude 24-25).

Author of a second book, “Journeys in Faith, Pursing Obedience,” containing more than 50 additional devotionals written for The Minot Daily News.