“God is our REFUGE AND STRENGTH, A VERY PRESENT help in trouble. Therefore we will NOT FEAR, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.” (Psa. 46:1-3) Are we confident or fearful as we look toward the future? Do we find it unsettling to see the degree of upheaval in the world right now? Are we worried about our family’s safety and security in such uncertain times? Do we carry a strong assurance that the Lord’s help and strength are available for us and those we love?
The phrase “a very present help”, amazingly, this series of words appears only once in the entire Bible—in (Psa. 46:1). In my study Bible says, “an ABUNDANTLY AVAILABLE help.” In good times and bad, our Lord walks with us, making His help ABUNDANTLY AVAILABLE TO US—no matter what we have to face.
In another place David said, “Though an army may encamp against me, My heart SHALL NOT FEAR; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE, To behold the beauty of the LORD, For in the time of trouble HE SHALL HIDE ME in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me HIGH UPON A ROCK.” (Psa. 27:3-5) In a very similar situation, Jehoshaphat prayed, “O our God, we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; NOR DO WE KNOW WHAT TO DO, but OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU.” (2 Chron. 20:12)
Florida reported Sunday a staggering record of 15,300 new cases in A SINGLE DAY: If Florida were a country, it would be the fourth highest in the world in reporting new cases. O Lord we are facing a pandemic that seems to be getting worse, OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU LORD!!!
-Bill Stockham