It's fitting that the day I sit to write this devotional I'm wearing one of my favorite shirts with one of my favorite passages written on it: Psalm 46. This passage has kept me grounded in some really difficult times.

Several years ago, Tim and I went to Matamoros, Mexico to train Mexican pastors in Bible Study methods. We didn't have an escort or guides from any nearby ministries. It was just us crossing the border on faith. The day before we were to cross over, about 15 miles west of our passage, there was a massive cartel shootout on the crossing bridge where 12 people died, many journalists and innocent bystanders. As a result, the cartels started posting blockades and checkpoints throughout the country.

The ministers we were to meet called and asked if we were still coming. We asked them how they felt since they would have to travel over 5 hours through hostile cartel territory and multiple checkpoints. They replied, "If you will come, we will come." And so we did.

We blazed through the border, met no resistance, and all the pastors made it there safely. It was great. Until it wasn't. The next morning, the first day of the school, I woke up ... frozen. Panicked. It was weird, I don't that. But this day, I did. I woke up terrified and convinced the cartel were going to kill us and I'd never see my disabled daughter again. I was paralyzed. The pastors were waiting.

My dear friend, Tim, called my wife and asked her to speak with me while he and others prayed. He also told me to read, yep, you guessed it, Psalm 46. Tammy called on facetime and told me it would be ok. She wasn't all sugary or sweet. She was just what I needed. The straight truth. She assured me that even if God allowed us to die, she and Brynna would be fine because He would take care of them and then she said these words, "Now get up and go do what you were called to do."

I read this passage at least three times. It spoke deep into my soul and I got up and taught for two days with Tim in one of the most rewarding training sessions we've ever done.

I realized God is not rattled by rebellion, threat, or danger. The nations may rage, the earth may shake, and the unseen powers may resist, but the Lord remains unmoved. He and His presence stabilizes everything.

"Be still and know that I am God" isn't a call to passivity or indifference. It is an overt declaration of trust. Quiet stillness is the posture of someone who understands the battle isn't theirs to win, but that He has already won it.

This awareness has one response: worship. It recenters us, grounds us, and reminds us who really rules, reigns, and will ultimately make All Things New. When we seek His face and keep our eyes pinned to His gracious sovereignty, the chaos around us loses its grip on our hearts and we worship from the depths of our souls.

This story began with rebellion, violence, and chaos, but ends with confidence and awe.

We often allow our inner voices drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit, which is really the only voice that can offer us any solitude at all. 

What internal voices do you find quieted when you remember that the Lord of Armies is with you?

What does it look like for worship to become your response to fear, uncertainty, and doubt?

Father, thank you for being my refuge and strength. Teach me to be still, trust you, and return your mercy back to you in praise and worship. You, and you alone, are worthy and the One who reigns forever. Amen.