God is in Control of Everything But Me
Lessons from the Life of David
In the journey of life we often find ourselves grappling with the concept of control. We strive to navigate through challenges, successes, and relationships; at times simply relying on our own thoughts and feelings to guide us. It is so easy for us to take control of our lives, but as people of faith we need Jesus to be the one in the driver’s seat setting our direction .The story of King David in the Old Testament provides us with valuable insights on how to approach the issue of control in our lives.
David's life was marked by significant challenges, setbacks and triumphs. Through it all, he learned a crucial lesson – that true strength and growth come from relinquishing control and placing trust in God's plan. He was anointed for the kingship and yet had to wait for the Lord’s timing, navigating many trials that came his way while he was under King Saul’s leadership. It was not easy for him to wait, it was not easy for him to accept that things weren’t coming together as fast as he hoped. David’s ability to surrender control and lean into God’s timing for his life, is in stark contrast with King Saul’s inability to do so.
King Saul did not know how to relinquish control to God. He always wanted to be the decision maker. He would rush to fix things before seeking God’s direction. He never learned to simply trust God. King Saul took matters into his own hands. His ultimate downfall stemmed from his attempts to control people and external circumstances. His fear-driven actions led to disobedience and the loss of his kingship. Saul's struggles with depression and anxiety serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of trying to manipulate situations beyond our control.
David however, refused to take matters into his own hands, even when faced with opportunities for self-elevation! This showcased his deep faith in God's sovereignty. Because David trusted God, people trusted David.
One of the key aspects that set David apart was his ability to inspire loyalty and longevity in his followers. He recognised the importance of teamwork and humility, traits that are essential for effective leadership.David learned to lean into the voice of God. Rather than acting on his own wisdom he asked for wisdom from heaven.
The essence of the message we can take from David's life is the importance of recognising our limitations and surrendering control to God. As the Serenity Prayer eloquently states, we must seek the wisdom to accept what we cannot change and the courage to change what we can.
In our relationships, marriages, and parenting journeys, the urge to control others can be detrimental. True growth comes when we master self-control and understand that we can only be responsible for our own actions and emotions. By focusing on controlling ourselves rather than external factors, we can cultivate healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Ultimately, the path to true success and fulfilment lies in acknowledging that God is in control of the universe, and our role is simply to govern ourselves. Through obedience to Biblical principles and the practice of self-control, we can find peace and purpose in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
As we reflect on the life of David and the lessons he imparts, may we strive to emulate his humility, faith, and complete trust in God's plan. By surrendering control and trusting God in the journey, we can experience greater peace, a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.