A Very Present Help

Trouble is not a respecter of persons. It knocks on the preacher's door and the plumber's door with the same fist. The promise of Psalm 46 is not that God's people escape trouble — it is that when trouble comes, God is already there. Not a far-off refuge you must travel to. Not help that arrives eventually. A very present help — nearer than the trouble itself.

Notice the order: God is our refuge and strength first, and the help follows. A man runs to a refuge because the refuge is stronger than the storm. The child of God does not run to a doctrine, or to a feeling, or to a church building — he runs to a Person, and finds that Person to be strength for the day and shelter in the night.

And there is a door into this refuge that many pass by: abiding. The Lord Jesus tied His greatest prayer promise to it — the branch that abides in the Vine may ask what it will. Prayer is not strong because we are loud; it is strong because we are near. Stay close to Christ today, and you will find both the refuge and the asking already yours.

Whatever has come against you this week, bring it to the One who was present before it arrived. He has not moved. Neither should your confidence.

Father, Thou art my refuge and strength. Keep me abiding in Christ today, and let me find Thee very present in every trouble. Amen.