Have you ever felt like you’ve lost your grip on a situation in life, and that it was spiraling out of control? Perhaps you felt in control of your career or job, but then something happened, and your dreams seemed to be ripped away from you. Maybe you thought a relationship was going well, only for it to end up “on the rocks.” It is natural for us to want control and to feel secure when we believe we have it. Yet, as you read Scripture, you quickly discover that you are not in control.

2nd Samuel 22 is a song of praise to the Lord from King David. As I read about David, I see his strength, leadership, humility, heart for God, and courage in adversity. He had men around him who were dedicated to protecting him at the cost of their own lives. Yet, when David was victorious over his enemies and over Saul, he did not take credit—because he recognized that God was the One in control. 2nd Samuel 22:2-3 says, “And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock, in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; Thou savest me from violence.”

The more we have, the more we tend to believe we are in control. David had the correct understanding. Ultimately, it was not his mighty men who protected him—it was God. What are some areas that you’re trusting yourself to control today? Here are a few examples to spark your thoughts:

– Car Maintenance (If I take care of it, it will last 20 years! But the engine might blow tomorrow, or I might wreck it)

– Physical Health (If I work out and eat healthy then I’ll live a long time! I still might have a heart attack tomorrow)

– Finances (If I save X amount each month, I’ll be set for retirement! The economy could crash, the house might burn down, etc.)

Now understand, all of those examples listed above are good things to do. They are important parts of being a good steward of what God has given us. But we must understand in those things that ultimately God is in control. Anything could happen at any moment that might derail our best-laid plans. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.” I can take responsibility for the stewardship God has given me, but I cannot ultimately control the outcomes. However, God does! What a comfort that is! It is because of this truth that, like Paul, you can be content in whatever state you are in. Always remember: He is in control—you are not.