Today, I saw a picture, a close-up if you will of a horse. The lifelike image captured me. It brought back memories, images to my mind of a childhood spent in the barn amongst the smells of hay and dust. I could picture the flicker of the animal’s eyelash, the desire to trust reflecting deep within its pupil. But I could also see that instant it lurched away, the white of her eyes flashing in panic as some unknown object caused her legs to dance sideways. These were just memories, traces left behind in my mind, cherished and brought back by one simple image. The fact is, I knew in that moment, what it was like to stand so close to her nostril’s breath. I had lived it, intimately, as a part of my everyday life for years.

Sometimes I forget that’s how I’m supposed to relate with God. Intimate, close, so I see him in the day-to-day.

Psalm 46:10 says:

Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

This is one of those verses that convicts my heart. Often, I find myself struggling against a world of unknowns. Whether its a cultural concern, a relationship, a family matter, or a health scare, my tendency is to first lean on my own intuitions and strength (sometimes even Google’s). The truth is, I strive as if I’m swimming in the middle of the ocean trying to make shore, and it’s really impossible on my own.

I love how this verse tells us in such a clear way why we can stop struggling—know that I am God. What a powerful statement!

We don’t face life empty-handed. Regardless of whatever fears lie ahead, we know the God we serve. He renders my life under His sovereignty—always. All-powerful, all-knowing, all-good, my God is always in control. I can cling to that in moments of fear.

So cease striving.

Understanding God’s character changes how I view life. It makes me realize despite my fears, whatever comes of the circumstance I’m trying to avoid, God is still good. God is still in control. I don’t have to worry about tomorrow, because as Jesus said tomorrow will care for itself (Matthew 6:34). How do I know that?

Because my God holds the future (Proverbs 16:9, Jeremiah 29:11), so I rest in His sovereignty. Whatever you’re facing, God has that within His grasp. He doesn’t leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). He knows our insufficiencies (Hebrews 4:15), and He is far more capable of handling our fears. Trust His answer and rest in His love over you (1 Peter 5:7).