Help In Trouble
Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. (AV)
Trouble is not what most of us are looking for. However, it seems to find us. There can be a tendency when we are faced with trouble to view God in an almost adversarial way. That He is watching to see how we will do, prepared to bring judgment on those who fail the test. This Psalm presents Him in an altogether different light. When we find ourselves in trouble, He is available to be three things to us.
1. A refuge. There are times when we simply need to pour out our heart with all the disappointments and difficulties. A place of safety and comfort. When no one else can understand, He does and invites us to find refuge in His presence.
2. A strength. Giving up is not an option and the strength to endure is found in God. Strength to forgive, strength to stand and strength for the day are found in Him.
3. A help. We are invited to trust Him for the help we need in every circumstance.
He is not an observer, but a participant with us in our struggle.
He is not there to condemn failure, but to bring us through to success as we submit to Him.
The conclusion that the Psalmist draws is that no matter how great the trouble is that faces us, we do not need to be afraid, but can confidently trust God for the outcome.
Mountains falling and earth moving are certainly larger issues than most of the things that we lose our peace over, but even in those we can say, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31(AV)
Rawlin Falk is a pastor with Maple Park Alliance Church.