One of the more quotable, peace-inducing passages of the Bible comes from Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Have you heard that verse before? It’s hanging on hundreds of artsy wooden signs in Christian homes.

The Hebrew verb for “be still” literally means to completely relax your muscles, to let everything go limp, like there are no bones in your body. If you’re clenching your fists and fighting or gripping a sword and swinging, to “be still” means to put everything down and just relax. How? By knowing that he is God. The exalted God of the nations. The almighty God who fights and wins our battles. When you know that he is with you, you can relax. You can be still.

So let’s practice that. I want you to think about your fears for a second. What might happen with your body, your family, your financial future? What if the economy . . . ? What if the election . . . ? What if you . . . ? As you think about those fears, I want you to tense your body. Clench your fists. Curl your toes. Squeeze your face. And now . . . relax! Breathe out and release every muscle. Be still. As you breathe deeply, remember what your God is like—loving, gracious, forgiving, powerful, in control, wise, patient, holy, just, eternal, present.

You have no reason to freak out today. You can be still if you know that he is God.