Trust The Outcome

Published June 3, 2026

Psalm 16

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | Archie Engledow

Fun fact about me: I notice fine details that often go unseen by others. Whether it's recognizing tires that are wearing unevenly, spotting a folding table that isn't latched properly, noticing subtle changes in someone's body language, or seeing unhealthy patterns in a person's life, I tend to catch things others might miss. A large part of who I am is looking out for others and helping people feel seen, heard, known, and loved.

I love this gift that God has given me, but it can also lead me into a self-reliance pattern where I can feel like I have control over the outcome. I've always been a proactive thinker and planner, which has helped me navigate many challenges in life. Yet some things cannot be fixed, changed, or controlled, no matter how clearly you see them. All you can do is change your perspective and the position of your heart and mind.

Which is why I have fallen in love with this section of Scripture over the last year.

David begins by saying, "Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge" (Psalm 16:1). He ends by declaring, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11).

In July, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. From the onset of this news, everything moved extremely fast. There were sleepless nights, a life-threatening reaction to chemotherapy, bone pain, weeks of radiation, surgery, and then more chemotherapy.

The hardest part wasn't the treatments—it was not knowing the outcome and having absolutely no control over fixing any of it.

During that season, God continually reminded me where my refuge was found in words like:

"Don't waste the pain."

"Make Me famous in your suffering."

"Find your refuge in Me, not in your own strength."

"When you are weak, I am strong."

"May My words be louder than your pain."

"Don't take your eyes off Me."

In a season filled with uncertainty, God reminded me that my hope was never found in my ability to control circumstances. My refuge was - and still is - found in Him. Like David, I have learned that true joy, peace, and security are not found in knowing the outcome, but in knowing the One who holds it.

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