Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge
and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Occasionally we will have a week where we are confronted
with one trial after another. This week has been such for me. The combination
of headline grabbing tragedies that have been rampant, difficulties at work,
challenges at home, and the everyday battle with my own flesh has been
overwhelming at times over the last several days. Compared to the burdens of
others, my problems are minor. But they are problems nonetheless.
What a comfort to know that we have both a refuge and a
source of strength in the midst of our troubles! We have a friend in Jesus who
has the power to both protect and empower us to endue the difficulties of life.
No other individual can provide such to us. I am thankful for the few dear
friends that I have that would do anything to help me if I were in trouble. Yet
their assistance is limited. Distance, lack of resources, lack of
understanding, etc. naturally limit what they can do for me. I also have the
same shortcomings as I try to minister to others. But such does not limit Jesus.
Our Savior has unlimited availability. He is omnipresent. He
is always available. Therefore he is a present help in time of trouble. We can
call out to him in prayer at any moment and he is available. He has the power
to protect us. Sadly, I have tried to minister to individuals who were in such
trouble that I was powerless to assist them. Not so with our Lord. In this
Psalm, David said that the Lord is our refuge though the earth be removed. That
is complete power! In addition to protection, the Lord also gives us strength.
In reality, we do not have what takes to endure the trials of life. We are
weak. We are fragile. We are sinful. Yet by the grace of God, we can fight the
good fight of faith in the midst of manifold trials and tribulations.
The Apostle Paul concurred with the Psalmist. He constantly
dealt with both Jews and Gentiles that sought his life. Yet he pressed on with
joy and encouraged others to stand fast in the Lord. How on earth was he able
to maintain such faith in the midst of so much trouble? He remembered where to
look for refuge and strength and understood that Christ was a very present help
in trouble!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me.
Wherever we find ourselves this morning I pray that we will
pause and remember this profound thought. Sometimes troubles come from outside
difficulties. Sometimes they are of our own making. Either way we have protection
and power in Jesus.
Blessings,
Michael D. Green, Jr.
Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church
3 comments:
Brother Michael,
Amen, to this excellent and timely message. In the midst of this evil and wicked world, it is so comforting to be able remember that our God is "..a very present help in trouble.."
God bless,
Allen Daniels
Post a Comment