ARE YOU AFRAID?

   One of my most repetitive posts is that there is SO much going on in the world right now! It's insane! I almost hate clicking on the news these days to see what has happened since the last time! Syria, Iran, chemical weapons, economic disaster, earthquakes, murders etc. We have REASON to be afraid! Things are happening beyond our control! ANd we just LOVE control, don't we? In a recent study by Chip Ingram of Calvary Chapel, he gives a beautiful interpretation of Psalm 46. This was penned by David, who I can TOTALLY relate to! Let me just rewrite this Scripture with some add-on points from Chip to consider:
Psalm 46 (about Fear)

God is our refuge and our strength,
A very present help in trouble. (God is FOR us, He is our refuge; our place of safety)
Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam (tsunamis?)
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. (God is our only security).
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. (the city of God is Jerusalem)
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her. (Jerusalem)
She will not be moved. (This is a specific prophecy/promise regarding Jerusalem!)
God will help her when morning dawns
The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered (do you see the uproar?)
He raised His voice, the earth melted. (God is in control)
The Lord of hosts is with us.
The God of Jacob (He is the God of people whose lives aren't really together) is our stronghold. (joy, protection, security, deliverance, peace)
(God's presence is our hope)
Come behold the works of the Lord (Come to Him and see what He has already done. He's come thru for us in the past)
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
(How do we enter in and experience His promise?)
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
Cease striving (BE STILL) and know that I am God. (We must surrender to Him)
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (God wins)
The Lord of hosts is with us. (God is FOR us)
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
(He invites us to experience His presence).

There are many concerns today but God is in control. He has already won the battle. He WILL be exalted. Who will you put your trust in...man or God? Oh my friend...God is REAL! He is alive! How many times in Scripture has He said, "Fear not?!"
Put your hope in Him because He is our ONLY hope!