Self-Reliance is a Delusion

Self-reliance is a delusion,
For from our God we receive breath.
It leads us to the false conclusion,
That by our wits we avoid death.

Have you built a house?
Who gave you those two hands?
Is your torso clothed with a blouse?
How’ve you met your needs and demands?

You say, “Well, I’ve worked hard!”,
And this is good and true.
But I beg you, do not disregard,
The Lord who gave these things to you.

For there were many hard workers,
In the ancient mountains of Tibet.
But while, of labor, they weren’t shirkers,
With abject squalor their needs were met.

How is it that you were born,
In your current, opulent, place and time?
Many scrape by amongst rock and thorn,
And out of the gutter, they can’t climb.

Perhaps you are quite clever,
And in business you’ve been shrewd.
But the reason for success in your endeavor,
Must, above all, God include.

For, who gave you your big brain,
And from whence came your success?
You are not stupid, poor or plain,
Because of the God of righteousness.

Our God who’s Father, Son and Spirit,
Is sovereign over all.
His power and majesty have no limit;
At His feet we’re made to fall.

Praise Him for the gifts He’s given,
And trust Him in the midst of what you lack.
Thank Him that, for us, His flesh was riven,
As on the cross He faced death’s attack.

For, what does our life matter,
Apart from the risen Son of Man?
If His blood did not, on Calvary, splatter,
Our debt for sin couldn’t be outran.

But in Christ we have the victory;
He rose to life on the third day.
Let’s, to pride in our feats, bid valedictory,
And sing praise to Him who made a way.

Live in reliance on God our Savior;
Do all for the glory of His name.
We deserve it not, but He’s shown favor,
To us and saved us from the flame.