Cease striving and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a NASB
If something has been worrying you, causing you anxiety, or troubling your mind, follow the advice God gives us in Psalm 46 and begin to focus on God, rather than your circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at this psalm to see why refocusing is a good idea.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3 NASB
When trouble is bearing down, God is the one to whom we can run to find strength for the moment and peace in the midst of difficulty. He is very present, in other words, He is right there, ready to help, ready to give you wisdom and direction. No matter what happens, when our attention is on God and we are seeking Him in prayer, we have nothing to fear.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:4-7 NASB
When God is in your midst, you will have the strength to stand firm. Your faith does not need to be shaken because God is in control and He is committed to helping you. Do not let the circumstances of life cause you to panic! Stay centered in Christ and remember that God is your stronghold.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
“Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:8-10 NASB
When anxiety sets in, remember the greatness of God. If you have trouble doing so, take some time to read through God’s words to Job. (Job 38-41) Then cease striving. Stop trying to take control and fix the problem yourself. Trust God. Pray through every difficult situation until He restores your peace. Know that He is God, that He loves you, and that there is no situation which He cannot fix and use for your good and the good of those you care about.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV