Surrendering Your Control

David, the giant-slaying boy who would eventually become king of Israel, is mentioned over 1,000 times in the Bible. The youngest of eight children, David grew to become a powerful king, and some say he was also the original pop star, penning most of the 150 psalms included in the Bible. These songs were the hymnbook for Old Testament Jews, and continue to inspire well-known musical works today, including Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” The 62nd Psalm was written by King David with a goal of reminding himself and others of the Lord’s steadfast love. A man of immense power and influence, David wanted to encourage people to continue seeking the Lord and to trust Him with all their endeavors. Psalm 62:5 says, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Some scholars see Psalm 62 as a warning: each of us possesses a certain amount of power over our own choices and circumstances, but we should not let our personal authority get in the way of our trust in God. King David had wise and experienced advisors at his side, and he commanded armies that did his bidding at home and abroad. Upon his orders, men could be rewarded or condemned. He certainly wielded a significant amount of power, yet he put his faith and his trust in God. Whether you sit at the helm of a large corporation, you lead a military regiment, or maybe you are the king or queen of your family’s castle, let power rest not upon your own shoulders but ultimately with the Lord. Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, like King David, we are mere mortals blessed with opportunities, gifted in unique ways, and called to follow you. Let us turn to you with full trust in your plan, and remember the source of all power is you, and not ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world!