The Upper Room Devotional – 26th January 2026, Monday Message
Dependence
Bronwyn Ashton Winch (Queensland, Australia)
Today’s Reading
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
If they fall, one will lift up the other, but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. – Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NRSVUE)
In our modern times, many cultures promote the importance of being independent and self-reliant. Independence is considered a vital character trait and is something we stubbornly hang on to, even when we grow older or face difficulties or physical limitations.
When I was younger, I was proud of my ability to do things well on my own. I did not think I needed to rely on others or that it might even be important to seek assistance. However, years of physical limitations have taught me to value dependence rather than independence.
God said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” God identified the need for humans to help and depend on one another. This is not to suggest we should expect others to do everything for us. It just means we would do well to admit when we need help and, most important, ask for and accept that help. Perhaps in the future, we could all value dependence a little more than independence.
Thought for the Day
God created us to depend on one another.
Prayer Focus
Someone experiencing loss of independence
Today’s Prayer
Father God, thank you for those who help us when we cannot manage alone. May we be willing to accept help and offer help to others. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 26th January 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
