When a school shooting occurred in Nashville this year, I had a moment of fear. My daughter lived nearby, and I wondered if she was safe. Events like these can easily create fear in our heart.

Fear is a highly personalize, primal emotion that involves our body, mind, and spirit. It is a warning system built into our body as a natural reaction to danger. When danger is present, fear acts like an alarm and prompts us to action. But when fear takes hold of our lives, it becomes unhealthy and often leads to worry and anxiety.

This is why God tells us multiple times not to fear. Fear should not be a state in which we live. Scripture tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. In other words, God doesn’t want us held hostage by the possibilities of danger. When fear grips us, it steals our joy and peace.

So, given all the possibilities that could lead to fear, how do we live without allowing fear to take hold? Psalm 46 is prescriptive and provides a way to deal with fear.

1) Don’t fear as God is with you wherever you are. He is a very present help in times of trouble. This means you are not alone. God’s presence is always with you even when there is an uproar, instability or shaking.

2) Know where God is. He is in the middle of the trouble- the waters roar, the mountains shake but God is in the midst. Again, He is with you no matter the circumstances. He has not gone AWOL, nor is He distant.

3) Keep your eyes fixed on God. Get your eyes off the uncertain circumstances. Don’t be moved by the trouble around you. Instead, remember Peter walking on the water toward Jesus. When he saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink into water. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and kept him from sinking. During any storm, fix your gaze on Jesus and grab his hand. Fear will sink you.

4) Remember, God is working in the situation. The psalmist says, He makes wars cease, breaks the bow, cuts the spear in two, and burns the chariots of fire. In other words, He is powerful, will act and we need to trust Him.

5) Be still. Wait and listen. Stop and surrender to God, not to the fear.

6) Know that He is God. Watch how He moves and works things out. Be amazed by what He does. He is sovereign and will accomplish His purposes.

7) Worship Him even before you know the ending. Praise takes care of that heaviness that comes with fear. Trust and give thanks, knowing God is present and a strong tower of protection. He will walk you through anything you may encounter.