Area 12:2

" 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah" (Psalm 46:10-11)

I often try to take the words of this verse personally, to be still before God and remember -- know more fully -- that He is God. I try to quiet down my mind and trust God on a deeper level. I think that's a good thing.

But that's not really the gist of what this verse is saying. Instead, God is warning the nations -- the ones in an uproar, the ones making war -- not to resist Him when He comes to put an end to war, not to think they will ever succeed without Him. He is the God of the nations, as well as the God of our hearts. He will win.

We can come up with plenty of things to be afraid of on this side of heaven, but God is our fortress, our refuge, our strength, our help right now. He is with us here. And in the end, every last king and citizen and spirit will surrender to Him. (See Philippians 2:9-11.)

If that is our God and He is for us, what do we have to be afraid of?

Think: Do you think we struggle with fear because we don't truly understand how powerful our God is? Or how much He loves us? Or how temporary the life before eternal life really is?

Pray: Thank God that He is with you because you have placed your faith in Jesus. Thank Him that He is your fortress.

Do: Maybe read Romans 8:31-39 one more time.