In the 2012 issue of Foreign Policy magazine, columnist Micah Zenko wrote an article in an attempt to allay people’s fears of shark attacks. Zenko concluded that because of the movie Jaws, millions of people in the US unnecessarily panic when they hear that a shark might be near the area where they’re swimming.

According to Zenko’s research, however, less than one American dies each year from a shark attack. The article also contained a list of things in the US that are more likely to cause a person to die. The author concluded the article with a reminder that there’s no need to shy away from the ocean: “Get off the couch and stop watching shark specials. Better yet, go for a swim.”

Psalm 46:1-11 was written to celebrate the power of God, to allay people’s fears, and to encourage confidence in the Lord. It begins with the declaration that God is a refuge for His people—a shelter from danger—whose power gives them strength (Psalm 46:1). The psalm proclaims the security of God’s people even if the earth breaks up, the hills move violently, and the depths of the seas totter, roar, and foam (Psalm 46:2).

And because God is His people’s security and stability, they shouldn’t fear even if chaos threatens to engulf them (Psalm 46:6). For no matter what happens, those who trust in the Lord are safe (Psalm 46:7).

Just as Jaws added to the fear of sharks, the trials of life can create fear in our hearts. But we worship and serve a God who makes order out of chaos. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10).

Sometimes it’s in the difficult situations of life where we find deeper faith and clearly experience God’s profound presence.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Jonah 1:1–2:10