Dear Faith Family, 

“Be still, 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 fortress, (Psalm 46:10-11). 

The pictures are overwhelming.  We’re still watching the videos of Helene’s trail of destruction.  And now we’re watching Milton make its massive, malignant presence known particularly in the state of Florida.  The cars.  Miles and miles of cars in route to be out of harm’s way.  Each person, each family longing to escape to a safe place ahead while still tethered to what’s left behind. 

As the pictures scroll through the mind, things like anxiety and fear attempt to slither unnoticed into the picture show.  The war in Ukraine (almost two years and running!).  The unrest in the middle east.  The exposure of a polarized nation on the precipice of an election.  Such global concerns don’t even begin to remove the individual, personal concerns that each of us face. 

We do long for all to be right.  We’re hard wired to know that it does get better than this!  In fact, we groan (according to Paul in Romans 8), looking forward to the end of the final hurricane season.   

That’s great!  But what about now?  What do we do now?! 

Be still.   

Really?  That’s all you got?  The last thing we want to do is to be still!  And yet God calls us to be still and know that He is God.  He calls us to come and behold His works.  Is that part of your day?  The be still thing?  Is there time carved out in your day for you to sit at the feet of His Word and observe your God? 

The only antidote that actually arrests fear is the very presence of your God.  When we discover His help, His strength, and His refuge, fear is removed from the lineup. 

What timely words were penned by the sons of Korah in Psalm 46: Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling, (Psalm 46:2-3). 

Still with me?  How about not finishing this article and moving quickly onto the next email, or the next video, or the next item on your to do list.  Instead, maybe be still and contemplate God?  Read through Psalm 46.  Make an observation about your God in the middle of your current circumstances.  He is here you know?! 

Trying to be still, 
Pastor Karl