Confidence in the Midst of Distress
Psalm 46:1-11
“I’m outta here!” Most of us will feel this way at some point in our lives. When stress in daily living becomes unbearable, we want to escape. We may want out of our jobs, relationships, or some other difficult situation. We think we cannot handle things the way they are because they are much too stressful. So we are walking out. Moving on. Heading for anywhere but where we are.
God has a powerful truth for us to hear. The way to handle stressful situations is to cease fighting against them and instead to be at rest. To the psalmist, this rest meant being still and knowing God. (Psalm 46:10 NIV) Jesus described it as a peacefulness that we will both find and receive as we spend time learning from Him. (Matthew 11:28-30) Our human instinct clamors for us to escape but God calls us to draw near and absorb the truths of Scripture.
The most important thing He wants us to know is who He is. As we believe the truth of His sovereignty (1 Chronicles 29:11), accept His deep and abiding love for us (Ephesians 3:17-19) and the absolute goodness of His plans (Jeremiah 29:11), we will grow in trust and find it easier to “be still” and not respond like the world, which says, “I’m outta here.”
Our stress need not become distress. With an accurate understanding of our God, we will be able to walk through circumstances with an inner quietness (Galatians 5:22) and confidence. (Hebrews 13:6) This is our privilege as God’s children.
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries