I recently acquired a deeper understanding of dependence on God and works.  I never really understood how His "burden is light" when I struggled and worked so hard at reading my Bible and praying and doing all the other "Christian works."  I felt like I could only come before Him if He was pleased with my actions.  Imagine that.  I was still working to gain God's love.  I know that I can't work enough to gain salvation, but here I was trying to do things to gain His approval.  And it wasn't ever enough because I kept failing. I finally called out in frustration "Lord I want to do these things and know you more, but I can't."  I admitted my complete failure and my need of His help. I know that God loves me but don't I have work? "Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.  But the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." Romans 4:4-5  My heart opened and was awaked… I could rest.  I rested in knowing His love was secure no mattered if I worked or not.  The amazing result of trusting His Word and depending on Him was that I worked!  But it was God working through me… I just rested.