Scripture:  Psalms 46:1  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

We often speak of the spiritual armor that God has provided for us and the seasons of spiritual warfare that we must face.  This scripture, however, gives us another concept of victory in battle.  It is a picture of a successful defense rather than a victorious campaign.  It is a place that we can run to and find refuge and renewed strength.  This place is God's presence, for His presence brings power and shields us from our enemy.  As Psalms 91 declares, we have nothing to fear because God will cover us with His feathers and hide us under His wings.

 

My family recently went on an outing to the beach.  A storm had passed through the area just the day before and had left the sand unstable.  We parked our vehicle on the beach just as we had done for years without incident.  Suddenly, we discovered that the van was sinking.  We tried frantically to remedy the situation but all was in vain, as it sunk deeper and deeper into the sand.  There was nothing we could do and natural help seemed too far away.  This scripture came to my mind in the midst of this dilemma and I reminded God that He said that He would be a "very present help in trouble."  Others were praying also.  Time was of the essence and there was no room for delay.  We were in trouble and needed God to show Himself strong right then and right there.  Just before the body of the van went into the watery sand, a group of teenagers came to our rescue and pulled us out of the mire with their vehicle and a chain.  God delivered us and made sure His promise to us that He was indeed a very present help in the time of trouble.

 

You may have a battle today that is totally out of your hands.  The enemy may have you up against the wall and it may seem that there is no way out.  You may have no strength left in your being to maintain the warfare.  Your hopes may be dashed and your future may seem dim as you see your situation sinking into the sand.  These are the times that you need to run to God and hide in His presence.  Let Him be your refuge and allow Him to renew your strength.  He is not a God that is going to be.  He is a God that is.  God is God all by Himself and He can take care of any situation.  There is nothing too difficult for Him.  Trust God for He is with you now and He is a present help in the time of trouble. +++