by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: Focusing on the words of a beautiful and moving hymn, Sherelyn emphasizes our dependence upon God and need for a Savior.
In the song, “I Could Not Do Without You” (Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs #313), we learn of the great need that we each have because of our lost condition. We have all sinned and, therefore, need a Savior. What would I do without the Lord? God so loved the world that He sent His Son to die for me that I might have everlasting life (John 3:16). His foreordained plan for man was that the precious blood of Christ would be spilled out as a perfect sacrifice in my stead (1 Pet. 1:17-21). This death of God’s Son can redeem me from every lawless deed through my obedience and repentance. As I deny ungodliness and live righteously, I have a blessed hope of the appearing of God and Christ (Titus 2:11-14). Becoming righteous in God’s sight through sanctification and redemption, I should not boast in self, but in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:30-31). Realizing that God’s blessing of grace gives me the opportunity to be adopted as a son through Jesus Christ, I glory in Him. I plead for mercy while living a holy and blameless life (Eph. 1:3-7).
Apart from God, I have no goodness; I cannot stand alone (Phil. 4:13). As I serve the Lord in this life, I do so by the strength which God supplies (1 Pet. 4:11). Reverence and fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; yet, wisdom does not originate with me (Prov. 9:10). My acknowledgment that I cannot do without Him will lead me to lean on Him and not on my own understanding (Prov. 3:5). When Paul implored the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh, he recognized that “power is perfected in weakness.” Through taking pleasure in distresses for Christ, Paul conceded that his strength came from the Lord. He could say, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
The “Highway of Holiness” provided by the Lord is the way for the redeemed. Those who walk there have sorrow and sighing replaced with joy and gladness (Isa. 35:8-10). This pathway does not come from man himself, but from the Lord (Jer. 10:23). The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps in the path of righteousness (Prov. 16:9; Ps. 23:3). He will catch me when I fall because He holds my hand and will not forsake the righteous (Ps. 37:23-25). If I walk blamelessly, I will be delivered, but if I choose the crooked path, I will fall (Prov. 28:18). The path of life may (on occasion) become wearisome, but God promises a Sabbath rest for the diligent (Heb. 4:9-11). Continually straying like sheep, I must return to the Shepherd and Guardian of my soul (1 Pet. 2:25). Thomas said to the Lord, “How do we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:5-6).
The life we live is fleeting, but my hope of being with the Lord in eternity gives purpose (Ps. 39:4-5, 7). I do not know what tomorrow may bring, for my life is but a vapor that appears for a little while. What I do know is that God cares for me in this life of passing shadow (Jas. 4:14; Ps. 144:3-4). As I draw near to God, He is my refuge and my good (Ps. 73:28; Jas. 4:8). Maneuvering the storms of life, I trust that the Lord will never leave me, but calms the troubled seas (Luke 8:24). To those who come to God, He offers salvation and draws near to them. The righteous have peace as they face their final rest. Walking through the valley of the shadow of death, they fear no evil for the Lord comforts them and welcomes them home (Ps. 23:4).
Because He offers me salvation through His Son, I cannot do without the Lord. He gives me strength and wisdom to walk throughout my days. God provides the path to lead me to heaven. As I cross over the last river, I long for His outstretched hand, and the words, “It is I” (Mark 6:50).
Author Bio: Sherelyn is the wife of Mark Mayberry who labors with the Adoue Street congregation in Alvin, TX as an evangelist and elder. She can be reached at sherelynmayberry@live.com.
