Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
This passage of scripture teaches us to look to God in good times and bad, for He is the only one who can help us, or direct us to good sources of help when needed. The habit of running to mortal man to obtain answers to our problems and difficulties are productive of evil in many instances, for although help may be offered in sincerity, it may not always turn out to be the best route taken. Whenever we are faced with daunting challenges which threaten to swallow us alive, then let us remember this sacred promise, made to the faithful, and to all who put their trust in Jehovah.
One night as the disciples of Christ were on the lake, a deadly storm broke out upon them without warning, for these types of storms were notoriously frequent on the sea of Galilee. But this one was particularly severe, and try as they might, they could not bring their boat to the other shore, even though they had rowed long and hard into the wee hours of the morning. Then, as if to put the final nail in the coffin, they see in the distance what seems to be a ghost walking upon the water, and headed straight for them, upon which they let go of the oars and cried out in fear, for if it was really a ghost they saw, then there was no escaping, no matter how hard they rowed. But thank God it was Jesus whom they saw, now coming to their rescue. Let's read:
Matthew 22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Often when the billows of life threaten our lives and our sanity, God, who is our refuge and strength sends us the help we need, but it is often the case that we do not discern that it is Christ coming to our rescue, and like the disciples we may cry out in fear, when it is really Jesus on the way with abundant grace and help in our times of need. The devil has a way of causing the problems and difficulties of life to be blown out of proportion, and often we forget that God specializes in difficult situations and emergencies. Let us therefore look up to the hills from whence cometh our help, for God is always a very present help in times of trouble.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to look beyond that which is seen, to behold the power and glory of The Eternal God, for the very same God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, will do it again for you and me, if we will but walk by faith and not by sight, trusting always in His goodness. Let's read:
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!