How do we know that we cannot keep our own souls alive?

As mentioned in Psalm 22:29, the phrase 'none can keep alive his own soul' serves as a profound reminder of human limitations. We may strive for spiritual health through our efforts, such as prayer and reading the Word, but without God's grace and the nourishment of Christ, these efforts are insufficient. This dependence on God's sovereignty in sustaining our spiritual lives underscores a core principle of Reformed theology: our need for grace. Recognizing that we cannot maintain our spiritual vitality on our own promotes humility and a deeper reliance on God's providence.