Do we really need God?

Have you ever stopped to consider how utterly dependent you are on God? Acts 17:28a declares, “For in Him we live and move and exist …” These words, spoken by Paul to the philosophers of Athens, encapsulate a truth we often overlook: every facet of our lives hinges on God’s sustaining power.

The Greek words here are profound. To live (zōmen) means to have life itself, both physical and spiritual. God is the source of your breath, your heartbeat, and the spark of your soul (Genesis 2:7). Without Him, life simply wouldn’t be.

To move (kinoumetha) points to all action and motion. From the grand orchestration of the cosmos to the simplest step you take, every movement is possible because of God’s sovereign hand. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, we make plans, but God directs our steps.

Finally, to exist (esmen) means to be. Your very essence, your being, is grounded in God’s nature. He alone is self-existent — the great “I AM” — and we exist only because He wills it (Colossians 1:16-17).

Paul’s words shatter the illusion of independence. Every breath, every thought, every action is a gift from the Creator. Without Him, we wouldn’t just lack direction; we would cease to be.

This truth invites us to worship and humility. The God who holds the universe in His hands is the same God who sustains you in every moment. Let this verse remind you of the grace and power of a God who is not distant but immanent, intimately involved in your life.

You are not self-sufficient. And that’s a good thing. Because in Him, you have everything you need.

Scotty