An Ever-Present Help
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1
Nothing is more suffocating, more soul stifling than the feeling of hopelessness. When you've tried every option, it's despairing to think that you've come to the end of your rope with no aid in sight.
Hopelessness breeds when we fail to sense God's hand in the hardship, or the presence of His help. It's demoralizing to feel as though God is off somewhere, distracted by the needs of more obedient saints.
Hope is built on fact. And the fact is God never becomes distracted from your life. He never takes time off from tending to your needs. When troubles come, He doesn't back away to allow Satan a free hand.
Today's verse assures that not only is the help of God available and accessible at all times, but God Himself is the always-present help in every trial.
"God understands the darkness that we face. He is right there in it with us, 'an ever-present help in trouble.' The Lord of light is your friend in darkness. The Lord of life stands beside you in death. The Lord of hope is your companion in your despair. The Prince of Peace supports you when no peace can be found. The God of all comfort waits faithfully near you. The Source of all joy is close by when death has robbed you of joy.”*
When we've hit rock bottom or are up against a wall, we are easy prey for the lies of the adversary. When we are emotionally distraught, we believe the lie that God has become a casual observer, standing at arm's length from our pain. Write out today's verse and underline the adjective. God is always present with help and hope.
You are my refuge and my strength, dear Lord. When troubles assault, may I never be deceived into thinking that I am beyond Your tender compassion. Thank You for being always and ever-present in my trials. I praise You for being in control!
—Joni Eareckson Tada, Pearls of Great Price, May 10
*Paul David Tripp, "You Are Never Alone in the Dark," Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation: Glenside, PA, p 5.
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