Have you ever noticed that in our personal lives, it seems that we are either in a storm, coming out of a storm or going into a storm?

The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season began 2 days ago, and there is the drive in the media to help us prepare for the storm season. Do you have the plan for what happens when a storm comes?

Psalm 46 is a declaration of trusting God, no matter what else is happening, including "the earth giving way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea (earthquakes), though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (tsunami or hurricane)."

In Psalm 46:1-2 begins with the declaration that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear...."

What do you fear? Is it natural disasters? The death of loved ones? Financial catastrophes?

What is the solution? How do we get to the place of "we will not fear?" The answer in verse 10 comes from God: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Have you ever noticed that when you are afraid, you run around in a panic? That the sources of fear appear larger? It is only when we slow down and spend time with God that the events and fears in our lives take their appropriate place and size.

I do not advocate a legalistic view of the Sabbath, but taking a regular time to slow down, spend time with God really REALLY helps get things in perspective. God knew that we needed time with Him, and that, even with busy lives, taking a whole day once a week, would be the best things for us.

Still time with God, just being in His presense and listening for what He has to say or for scriptures He brings to mind will center you in storms of life. Even if things are crazy on the outside, you can be still on the inside.

Whether you can start with just 5 minutes in the morning or whether you can carve a whole day out once a week, start to find time to be still and know God. He is not only your fortress in times of trouble, but the best and kindest friend you will ever have.