The Lord – A Very Present Help In Trouble
By Rich Carmicheal
The Lord does not promise that life will be without problems. To the contrary, Jesus plainly states that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). These troubles can come in various forms including persecution, rejection by family and friends, hardships, trials and temptations. Some of these troubles are the natural result of living in a fallen world. Some of them develop as the result of sin, whether our own or that of others. Some troubles are the result of spiritual opposition to our faith. And some troubles come into our lives as disciplinary measures designed to help us develop spiritual maturity. In any case, we often find ourselves in great need of help and deliverance. Perhaps you are currently in a season of great difficulty and need.
Even though the Lord does not promise a trouble-free life, He does promise to be with us and to help us as we face trouble. For example, He declares, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..." (Isa. 43:2). The psalmist echoes this truth when he writes that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride" (Psa. 46:1-3). The psalmist then re-emphasizes the source of his confidence: "The Lord of hosts is with us...The Lord of hosts is with us" (Psa. 46:7, 11). In the twenty-third Psalm, David reassures us that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we do not need to fear evil, because the Lord is with us. And the writer of Hebrews adds that "...[God] Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you; nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid...’" (Heb. 13:5-6).
What an awesome thought: The Lord is with us...He is a very present help in trouble! The footnote in my Bible states that the phrase "a very present help" could be translated, "abundantly available for help." What a wonderful promise!
Are you presently in the midst of trouble? Then look unto the Lord and place your confidence in Him. He desires to be our refuge and our very present help in trouble. And not only does He desire to help, but He is more than able to help us in any situation. He is able to comfort us in our troubles (2 Cor. 1:4); to rescue us from trials (2 Pet. 2:9); to make all grace abound to us (2 Cor. 9:8); to meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19); to sanctify us entirely (1 Thes. 5:23); to encourage and strengthen us (2 Thes. 2:17); to protect us from the evil one (2 Thes. 3:3); to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9); to equip us with everything good for doing His will (Heb. 13:21); to restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Pet. 5:10); to deliver us from every evil deed, and bring us safely into His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18); to give us rest when we are weary and heavy-laden (Matt. 11:28); and to give us peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). The Lord is able. In fact, He is "able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us" (Eph. 3:20).
Do you need strength? Peace? Rest? Forgiveness? Comfort? Provision? Encouragement? Protection? Courage? Spiritual victory? Restoration? Direction? Then look unto the Lord. He promises to be with His people. He is a very present help in trouble.
"For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock" (Psa. 27:5).
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." (Jas. 4:8).
About This Issue…
This issue of Herald of His Coming focuses on the greatness of God and our proper response to Him. As A.W. Tozer writes in his book The Knowledge Of The Holy, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." Sadly, many people in the church today have a very poor concept of who God is. As a result, there has been a great loss of reverence for the Lord and His Word and His ways. Tragically, we are seeing more and more of the consequence of this as spiritual and moral decay continues.
Although one issue of the Herald can only begin to address such a profound theme as the greatness of God and our response to Him, please join the Herald staff in praying that the Lord will work through the accompanying messages to reveal more of Himself to readers. Pray for an awakening in many hearts to the majesty, holiness, power, presence and glory of the Lord. Pray also for the corresponding response of worship, faith, devotion, repentance and obedience.
Thank You for Your Support…
The Herald staff offers our heartfelt appreciation to all of you who provide financial support for this ministry. Your gifts have enabled Herald mailings to go out on time throughout this year to the spiritual benefit of thousands of readers in various countries. To God be the glory!
Thank you also to all of you who pray for the Herald ministry and staff. Please continue to ask the Lord to provide clear, strong, biblical messages month after month, and for His powerful anointing to be upon them. Pray for the ministry to help bring salvation and revival into the lives of many.
We hope that you personally are encouraged, strengthened and inspired by issue after issue of the Herald. May God’s grace abound in your life and overflow to the blessing of many others!
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).