Self Reliance...True or False?

"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson's essay on self-reliance is oft quoted, especially in motivational literature and speeches. He was a trancendental philosopher and essayist of the mid 1800's. What does he mean by "divine providence" is his quotes? If we leave that out, or do not read "divine providence" as meaning God, then it sounds like it's all up to us. But let's look a little closer.

Transcendentalism was a school of thought prevalent in literature in the 19th Century and a theme of famous scholars of that time. It emphasizes the intuitive and spiritual thought above emperical or scientific evidence. Anti-conformity, individualism and being yourself are core beliefs. It continues to have prevalence today in a lot of philosophical and psychological literature and has deep roots in "New Age" spirituality.


As Christians, we have named "divine providence" God and recognize the three persons of the God trinity, with the Holy Spirit the one who speaks to us and through us. Those special thoughts that enter our consciousness and call us to action, while sitting still in God's silence, come from the Holy Spirit. We are given access to "divine providence," wisdom and knowledge through the Holy Spirit. Think of your divine appointments that have connected the special events in your life. Is your spirituality transcendental through "divine guidence" or firmly rooted in the God of the Bible? So, are you relying on yourself, or on God, to direct your life? 


"But I trust in you, O Lord: I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me."  (PS 31:14-15 NIV)


"And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord." (Psalm 40:1-3)