When Life Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

2 Samuel 15-17 | Psalm 96:10 | Isaiah 11:1-5

There are seasons when stability feels like a distant memory. When the life you pictured slips through your fingers, when people you trusted can’t hold you up, when dreams you prayed for crumble overnight. It’s in those moments you feel like the ground beneath your feet has vanished, and you’re left gasping for something steady to cling to.

I’ve been there. I’ve lived through the sting of loss, the heartache of plans that didn’t work out, the gut-punch of hearing “no” after pouring everything into a “yes.” I’ve sat in waiting rooms with tears streaming down, grieving the hope of a child that never came. I’ve faced days when my own “kingdom” felt like it had collapsed; security gone, joy shaken, and every bit of control stripped away.

David knew what that felt like too. His kingdom shook under betrayal, sin, and enemies pressing in. What once seemed steady and secure crumbled beneath him. And yet, the one thing that did not move was God’s reign. David’s throne wavered, but God’s never did. In the middle of loss, fear, and uncertainty, God was still the Rock under his feet—the same Rock under ours.

In 2 Samuel 15–17, David is on the run from his own son, Absalom, who has stolen the hearts of the people and claimed the throne. The betrayal is deeply personal, and the danger is real. David leaves Jerusalem barefoot and weeping, not knowing if he’ll ever return.

It’s a reminder: even the anointed king could not guarantee his own security. And yet, in the uncertainty, David trusted God’s sovereignty, whether in victory or in loss.

Psalm 96:10 declares, “The Lord reigns… He will judge the peoples with equity.” Even when earthly thrones are shaken, God’s throne is not.

Isaiah 11:1–5 points forward to the perfect King from David’s line (Jesus) who will reign with righteousness, justice, and faithfulness. Where David was betrayed, Jesus was abandoned and crucified, yet His reign was established forever.

David’s story reminds us that no matter how unstable life feels, God’s rule is steady. When the “kingdoms” we’ve built for ourselves start to shake, we can rest in knowing His kingdom will never be moved.

When life feels out of control, do I anchor my hope in God’s unshakable reign, or do I cling to my own sense of security? Lay down the need to control every outcome. Pray, “Lord, even when my plans fall apart, let me trust that Your kingdom stands firm and that You are still good.”

Lord,
When my world feels unsteady, remind me that You reign.
Help me trust Your justice, Your timing, and Your goodness.
Let my faith rest not in my circumstances but in Your unshakable throne.
Amen.