“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 ESV).
The psalmist spoke of three divine attributes of God that we can rely on in times of trouble. He said that we can look to God as our “refuge,” our “strength,” and our “very present help.”
Looking to God as our “refuge,” we find shelter in Him. He shields and protects us when the storms of life come. We can hide ourselves in Him.
Depending on God as our “strength,” both materially and physically, He empowers us to stand during troubling times. When we come to the end of our strength, we find that we can keep moving and standing by His divine power.
Finally, our God is a “very present help.” He is always only a prayer away. He is tried and true. His help is always available. Of course, we know that God is always present with us. Yet during times of trouble He seems more present, or at least our awareness of Him seems more real.
Have you experienced these attributes of our God during times of trouble?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we need You, not only in times of trouble, but at all times. We look to You as our refuge. Hold us in Your arms. We depend on You for strength. Empower us by Your Spirit. We call on You to be with us. You are our very present Help in times of trouble. Be with us. In Jesus’ name, amen.