Psalm 145:1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.

As much as I love this Psalm (every line is underlined in my Bible) I don’t think the phraseology of this verse has struck me before like it has just now. The heading says it is “Of David,” yet it starts out with “My God the King.” Throughout David’s life, either Saul was king or he himself was, but neither of them claimed deity, so the focus had to be the other direction. By calling God, King, David was reaffirming His sovereignty, above and beyond any authority of man. That’s a vitally important position for any ruler/leader to take. David went through enough in his life to realize that whatever his title, ultimately he was not in control, God was. It is easy to see leaders today, both national and business, who seem to have forgotten that. The Biblical lesson is that they will learn the hard way! Even aside from the Revelation of John, the Bible is very clear that “Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.” (Isaiah 45:20) Paul quotes that in Romans 14:11, and in Philippians 2:9-11 he brings it into focus that it is all about Jesus. Ever since the Garden of Eden mankind has wanted to be in control, egged on by the devil, but man’s desires and the devil’s lies don’t change the fact that God is God, period. The moment we forget that, we are in very deep trouble.

I’ve fallen for this trap more times than I care to think about, but like David, I’ve been through plenty to teach me that God is in charge. I still take needless stress on myself by feeling like “I’ve got to fix that situation,” but God is teaching me to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him. I’ve still got plenty of room for growth there! That applies both to things personal to me and to situations where people seek my advice or help. Humanly speaking I like to be in control, but that’s what generates the stress. I am to be faithful in my obedience, but recognize that the most/best I can do is be God’s instrument. That’s not a passive thing at all, but it does take off a lot of the pressure. There’s a situation going on right now about which I am tempted to get all worked up, but that’s the trap of pride. I am to be faithful in prayer and keep myself available as a tool in answering those prayers, but I’m not to take the situation on as something “I’ve got to fix.”

Father, thank You for how You are growing me in this area, and for the awareness You gave me yesterday of that growth. Help me speak and act in Your love at all times, so that I may be fully useful to You. Thank You for the awareness that the moment I try to take control, I mess things up. Help me leave things in Your hands even while I’m active in my obedience to You as Your agent in the situation, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!