“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

The first half of Psalm 46:10 is a popular verse used to encourage believers to be still and silent before the Lord. Be still means to stop striving, stop fighting and to relax. It also means to put our hands down. This interpretation promotes a healthy rest in the presence of the Lord. It's easy to be fearful when things aren't going well or when we're faced with challenges and conflict in our life

Crises are inevitable in the life of believers. Even when you are in God’s perfect will, you can still have a storm! The solution to the storm the disciples faced was not weeping but crying to Jesus for help. The Bible says in Mark 4:38 “Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”. Panic will always lead to confusion, trouble, and wrong action. Beloved, when crises come, do two things:

1. Do not panic: We are encouraged in Isaiah 46:10 (message translations) “Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you”

2. Engage God for His help by praying and praising Him.

Friends, there is no challenge God cannot handle. Sometimes, we put our hands up to defend ourselves from all that life can bring our way. God tells His people to wake up and recognize who’s on their side.

Wake up! I am the Lord. I am your refuge and your strength. You have nothing to fear or worry about when I am with you. I will fight your battles and deal with your enemies. So, get out of my way. Step back, open your eyes, and acknowledge who I am and what I can do. Let me be God. Don’t try and do my job for me. Be patient, be still, and let me go to work.

Prayer: Dear heavenly father, still every storm in my life. Help me to lean on you!