Would you agree with me and say that people live with a lot of stress these days? There are a million reasons to be anxious: the economy, pressures at home and workplace, criticisms or hurtful actions, failing health or ruined relationships. Maybe you can't clearly identify the source of anxiety in your life, but you strive every day to pursue your own agenda without God blessing - this is the worst stress inducer of them all!
Whatever your situation, Psalm 46 holds the key to dealing with demanding situations:
"God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.2 Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas,3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil." Psalm 46:1-3 (HCSB)
The Psalm concludes with these words:
"Stop [your fighting]—and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth." 11 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 46:10-11 (HCSB)
The Amplified translations reads like this:
Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (Amp)
The New international Version reads like this:
"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
How can you do this when things are falling apart all around you? To "stop fighting," to "cease striving," to "be still," you must REST in the Lord. To rest in the Lord, you must TRUST Him completely. And, to trust Him completely, you must KNOW Him!
So, how do you get to know God? The process begins when you place your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Then develop the relationship as you would with a good friend:
- Spend time alone with Him. You have to make an effort to meet with Him regularly.
- Get to know what He thinks. Read the Bible, pray, and listen to sermons. There are some great "free" sermon podcasts on the internet. For starters, listen to the Victory Podcast. There are years of sermons in the archive; just scroll down and find the one which you believe will speak to your situation. Click here to visit the Victory Podcast page.
- Observe what God does in other people's lives and also in your life.
- Tell Him honestly what you are thinking and feeling. It is important to be open and transparent.
- Be still and listen to Him. He will speak straight from His Spirit to your spirit and quiet your troubled heart.
Once you understand that God loves you unconditionally (Romans 8:38-39) and forgives completely (Ephesians 1:7), you will be able to let go of guilt. When you realize that He has a will and a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), you can stop worrying about the future. And when you see how He turns suffering into something good, your fear will be replaced by a growing confidence and inner joy.
Do you need someone to talk to? Do you need help praying? If so, please send me an email (click here) and I will do all I can to assist you in this time of need.
Remember, be still, KNOW God and have NO worries!
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