Sunday, July 5, 2026
Characteristics of God: He is king.
Most of us don't spend much time thinking about kings. If we do, it may be because of something we’ve read or heard in the political news.
For me, the idea of kings was shaped long before I encountered them in headlines. Growing up, my earliest reference points came from Disney movies. Kings like Triton from The Little Mermaid or King Stefan from Sleeping Beauty shaped my childhood imagination, presenting rulers as both powerful and deeply invested in their children's lives.
In reality, we live in a world that values independence and self-rule. We like to believe we're in control of our own lives, making our own decisions and charting our own paths—until we're suddenly faced with hardships like a diagnosis, job loss, or a broken relationship, and reminded of how little control we actually have.
That’s why the truths found in Scripture are so comforting: we don’t have to cling to control; we can trust our loving Father to also be our King.
Psalm 47:2
For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.
God's kingship isn't limited by borders, governments, or circumstances. His authority extends over everything we can see and everything we can't. While earthly leaders come and go, Scripture reminds us that "The Lord is king forever and ever" (Psalm 10:16).
And God isn't a distant king issuing commands from far away. He is a king who knows his people, cares for them, and invites them to participate in his kingdom.
Living under God's reign is ultimately an act of trust. We may not always see what he is doing, but his kingdom has never depended on what is visible (2 Corinthians 5:7). His rule is constant, his purposes are good, and his power is never in question (Psalm 33:11).
So today, ask yourself: Who is really ruling my decisions, my priorities, and my heart?
The invitation isn't to surrender to a harsh ruler. It's to trust the King who sees what we cannot, loves us completely, and is working for his glory and our good.
There is peace in knowing we don't have to carry the weight of being king.
That place already belongs to God. Unlike the Disney kings of my childhood, whose power had limits, God’s kingship is perfect, loving, and unchanging. He is our true and forever King.
Discussion Questions:
Ice Breaker: Do you tend to be someone who likes to be in control, or are you more go-with-the-flow?
What are some “things” people make the king of their lives instead of God?
Read 1 Samuel 26: Knowing David had an opportunity to end the pressure of being hunted by Saul, what stands out to you about his choice not to harm him? What does David’s decision reveal about how he viewed God?
How can you remind yourself that God is still in charge and working —even when you don’t see it?
Reflect & Respond: What is one area of your life where you can release control and surrender it to God?
Prayer:
Father and King, thank you for your loving rule over my life. Help me to trust your goodness and find peace in your care, today and always. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Jeremiah 9:23-24a
This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord….”
Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.