Be still and know that I am God
It’s easy to lose perspective in times of distress. Whether it’s a sick child, bad medical results, or the threat of global pandemic.
To keep from getting overwhelmed, take some time to worship God. He will help you put your problems into perspective and show you His extravagant love for you.
Cease striving
It’s important to understand that God is not something that we can simply “discover” or “assume.” He is revealed to us in Scripture. He is a spirit, incorporeal, personal, the source of all moral obligation, and the “greatest conceivable existent.”
The Bible is a written account of His plan for creation, salvation and judgment. In it, we learn that God is loving, compassionate and all-powerful. He is a loving Father who will not leave you nor forsake you, and He is in control of your life.
He is jealous for His honor and will not allow His name to be desecrated. He is a God of irresistible power, and He will destroy those who would not give Him glory. In the end, He will reign over all that is, was and will be. He is omnipresent, all-powerful and all-knowing. He is the God who created the universe and its laws, is sustaining it now, and will ultimately judge it.
Let go of anger
Anger is a powerful emotion, but it can also be destructive. If we allow anger to control us, it can ruin relationships and careers. In addition, it can cause physical pain and even lead to depression. So, it is important to learn how to let go of anger.
An important first step is to understand the root causes of your anger. Often, we become angry because of hurt and fear. Try to identify the underlying feelings beneath your anger and practice being consciously present with them.
Venting can help, but be careful not to use it as a way to justify your reactions. In fact, one study found that people who simply vented about their anger experienced worse symptoms than those who wrote down their feelings and tried to make sense of them.
Deep breathing and other relaxation techniques are helpful, and meditation apps like Headspace have a whole series of meditations on dealing with anger. Finally, psychotherapy is a great resource for unpacking the underlying emotions that contribute to anger.
Trust in God
Trusting in God means believing that He is reliable, that His Word is true, and that He has the strength to take care of you. It also means acknowledging His presence in your daily life: waking up to a beautiful sunrise, receiving a call from a friend, or having a great dinner with family or friends.
It is important to understand that God has a plan for your life and is working through difficult circumstances for good. His character of love, mercy and grace are revealed throughout Scripture. He created the world, sustains it now, and has entered human beings into His family through Jesus Christ. He has a law of righteous behavior that He requires of His people, and He punishes those who violate His laws.
Spend time reading His Word and meditating on His dependability. It’s important to remember that God will never go back on his promises—he promised Sarah a son and freed the Israelites from slavery, and He will keep His promises to you.
Be still
When we are still, we are laying down our tight grip and surrendering all of our lives to God. We put Him back on the throne and rekindle our hope in Him alone, not in our circumstances. It is only when we surrender our lives to Him that we can find peace, joy and satisfaction in life again.
The word “still” in this verse is a translation of the Hebrew word rapha, which means to slacken, to relax, or to let go. It was used to tell God’s enemies that the battle was over and they needed to stop fighting.
Many people misunderstand this Psalm and think that it means to just sit back in their banana chair and sip on their latte while God fights for them. It’s more than that; it is a deep trust in God that rejects fear and anxiety. The more regularly you spend time in quiet with Him, the easier it will be for you to lean into His strength during turbulent times.
