When life’s turbulence shakes us—whether sudden storms or long seasons of struggle—it’s easy to panic and try to take control ourselves. Yet, God invites us to trust Him as our refuge and strength, even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Instead of letting fear drive us to grasp for control, we are called to remain secure in His promises, fastening our “seatbelts” by holding onto His Word and presence. In every trial, God is present, offering help and peace that surpasses our understanding. [19:27]
Psalm 46:1 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Reflection: When you face a challenge this week, what would it look like to pause and pray, “God, I trust You,” before taking any action or making any decision?
When pressure mounts and answers seem delayed, our instinct is often to “grab the controls” and fix things ourselves, just as Saul did when he failed to wait for Samuel. Acting out of fear or impatience, even with good intentions, can lead us away from God’s best and into greater turmoil. True obedience means waiting on God’s timing and trusting His instructions, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. [24:36]
1 Samuel 13:8-14 (ESV)
He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you acted out of impatience or fear instead of waiting on God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him today?
Waiting on God is not passive; it is an act of faith that renews our strength and aligns us with His purposes. When we resist the urge to rush ahead or rely on our own wisdom, God promises to lift us up, giving us endurance and hope even in the most exhausting seasons. Choosing to wait on the Lord, especially when deadlines loom or resources run low, opens the door for God’s miraculous provision and guidance. [27:19]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel weary or tempted to “make a plan” on your own? How can you intentionally practice waiting on God this week?
God calls us to “be still and know” that He is God, especially when everything in us wants to strive, fix, or control. True stillness is not apathy, but a deliberate act of letting go—relaxing our grip and trusting that God is sovereign over every circumstance. In the midst of chaos or calm, surrendering control allows us to experience God’s peace and recognize His faithful presence, even when we don’t understand the outcome. [29:53]
Psalm 46:10-11 (ESV)
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Reflection: What is one specific situation you need to “let go” of today, trusting God to be God instead of trying to manage it yourself?
It’s not only in storms that we’re tempted to take control—sometimes, when life is smooth, we start to rely on our own wisdom and strength, as Jehoshaphat did. God desires that we trust Him in both turbulence and tranquility, seeking His guidance in every decision and remembering that He alone can complete the good work He began in us. Whether your journey is marked by detours, delays, or smooth skies, God is faithful to bring you safely to your destination as you trust Him fully. [36:25]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to rely on your own wisdom or strength? How can you invite God to lead you afresh, even when things seem to be going well?
Life is full of turbulence—unexpected challenges, seasons of stress, and moments when everything seems to shake at once. In these times, it’s tempting to grab the controls and try to steer our own lives, believing that our efforts or wisdom can bring stability. Yet, just as in an airplane, turbulence does not mean the plane is falling; it’s a call to fasten our seatbelts, trust the pilot, and remain secure in God’s promises. God is our ever-present help, and He invites us to trust Him, not just in the storms, but also when skies are clear.
Reflecting on personal experiences, it’s easy to see how fear can drive us to take matters into our own hands. Even when we do all the “right” spiritual things—praying, reading Scripture, worshipping—if our actions are rooted in anxiety rather than trust, we end up striving in our own strength. The story of Saul in 1 Samuel 13 is a sobering reminder: under pressure, Saul took control instead of waiting on God, confusing initiative with obedience. His impatience cost him dearly, showing that God values trust and surrender over frantic activity.
But the temptation to take control isn’t limited to crisis moments. Sometimes, when life is smooth, we subtly begin to rely on our own wisdom, as Jehoshaphat did when he made alliances God never intended. Whether in chaos or calm, the call remains the same: stay in your seat, keep your eyes on the pilot, and trust His hands on the controls. The Holy Spirit is like the flight attendant, guiding, comforting, and reminding us of God’s truth, even when we can’t see the outcome.
Every journey has its turbulence, detours, and even crash landings, but with Jesus as the pilot, we are always in safe hands. The journey is not about comfort, but about learning to trust, obey, surrender, and grow closer to God. He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it. Trusting God doesn’t mean we understand every twist and turn, but it means we know who is flying the plane. Whether you’re just boarding or have been on this journey for years, today is an opportunity to surrender control, fasten your seatbelt, and trust the One who never fails.
1 Samuel 13:8-14 (ESV) — > He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the LORD your God, with which he commanded you. For then the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
2. Psalm 46:10-11 (ESV)
> “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
> Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
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