Have you ever faced a new day with an overwhelming sense of inadequacy? Truth be told, we are inadequate. We just forget that sometimes.

In a recent moment when I was faced anew with my insufficiency and my need for His sufficiency, I jotted down these thoughts—three reasons I always need God and three familiar promises God has given to meet them.

1. Because I can’t do it on my own, I need His strength.

Like the independent toddler, I like to “do it myself!” Or, sometimes, I just forget that help is available and assume I’m on my own. Until I realize (again) that I’m not strong enough—that to do anything worth doing, I need God’s strength.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.—2 Corinthians 12:9

2. Because I don’t even know what “it” is on my own, I need His guidance.

Have you ever invested intense energy in an insignificant venture? Me too. Without God’s guidance, we can live with great activity but make little difference. I need Him to direct both my goals and my to do list.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.—Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Because “it” is not worth doing on my own, I need His presence.

There are some things that are just not worth doing alone, and life is one of them—all of it. One of the prayers in Scripture that I often echo is Moses’ heart cry to God, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15). Without God’s presence, neither accomplishment nor victory is worth achieving.

And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.—Exodus 33:14

Yes, I need God. Sometimes I forget it, sometimes I take His strength, guidance, and presence for granted. But always I need Him.