When God Establishes You

By Romina Chevren

“You have delivered me from the attacks of the peoples; you have preserved me as the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me, foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me. They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.”—2 Samuel 22:44–46 (NIV)

David’s song of deliverance in 2 Samuel 22 is a powerful and poetic reflection on the hand of God at work in his life. By the time we reach verses 44–46, David’s no longer speaking as the hunted fugitive hiding from Saul or the young shepherd boy standing before Goliath. These verses come from a seasoned king who has fought long battles, suffered deep betrayal, and experienced the full spectrum of human emotion—yet still sees God’s hand in it all.

He begins this section with a declaration: “You have delivered me from the attacks of the peoples.” David’s no stranger to being pursued, slandered, or opposed. Whether it was Saul’s army, Philistine forces, or rebellion from within his own kingdom (as with Absalom), David knew the sting of attack. And yet, time after time, God brought him through. The language here isn’t passive. David isn’t saying, “I got lucky” or “I survived.” He’s clear: God delivered him. He attributes his security and survival not to strategy or strength, but to God’s hand alone.

Then he says something remarkable: “You have preserved me as the head of nations.” That word—preserved—suggests more than survival. It speaks of intentional care. David didn’t just scrape through his trials; he was sustained, kept, and established. Not only that, but he became “head of nations.” God elevated David into a position of influence and authority far beyond his beginnings. The boy who once tended sheep now ruled over a united Israel and was respected by neighboring nations. This was not David’s doing; it was God’s plan unfolding through faithfulness, obedience, and divine protection.

David continues: “People I did not know now serve me.” This is another testimony to the favor and influence God can grant to His people. Foreign nations that had no allegiance to David came to serve him. God gave him recognition and respect, even from outsiders. It wasn’t David’s reputation alone that inspired this; it was God’s favor shining through his life. This echoes the pattern we see throughout Scripture: When someone walks with God, God makes a way before them, often opening doors in unexpected places.

Verse 45 says: “Foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.” Again, we’re reminded that spiritual authority carries real-world influence. David’s name carried weight not because of political clout or military power alone, but because people recognized that he was chosen by God. There’s something undeniably powerful about a life marked by divine favor. It disarms enemies, opens hearts, and shifts atmospheres. Those who once resisted David now came under his leadership.

Finally, David says: “They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.” What a picture! Even those who were previously confident in their own power or safe within their defenses were now humbled. Not because of David’s might, but because God had clearly gone before him. When God fights for us, when His hand is on our lives, even the most intimidating obstacles lose their power.

These verses are not just historical celebration—they’re a call to faith. They remind us that when we walk closely with God, He not only protects us from harm, but He establishes us for purpose. He delivers, preserves, elevates, and equips.

You may not be a king like David, but God still wants to position you for influence in your own sphere—your family, your workplace, your community. When your heart is surrendered to Him, He can use you to lead with humility, to speak with wisdom, and to walk in authority rooted in Him.

Pause: Take a moment to be still and reflect. Can you recognize moments where God has delivered you or opened unexpected doors? Let this be a time of surrender. Remember that promotion, protection, and purpose come not from people, but from the Lord.

Practice: Speak this truth over your life: “God is my deliverer and the One who establishes me.” God sees. God knows. God goes before you. Trust Him to lead.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being my deliverer and my defender. Just as You rescued David and gave him favor among nations, I ask that You would establish me for Your purposes. Deliver me from every voice or force that rises against me. Preserve me in the roles You’ve called me to, and let my life be marked by Your power and presence. I don’t seek influence for my own sake, but to reflect Your glory. Let others see You in me—and may Your name be honored through everything I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.