Psalm 46:1-3 – “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.” NASB

I love this Psalm and this passage in particular.  The Psalmist is giving recognition to the Person, Power, and Provision of God.  He also addresses the wonderful confidence that because of God, the people of God will walk “fearless” no matter what transpires around them.  This is a wonderful, encouraging Psalm, but there is one thing said here that I want to focus on.

To get to that point, let me ask my title question again, “What kind of help truly helps?”  

• Promised help may not help if it does not come, comes with insufficient resources or commitment, or comes late. 
• Anticipated help may not produce the desired result and may, in fact, not come at all. 
• Past help will not do much for the present situation. 

The kind of help that the Psalmist described was the bedrock of his confidence.  God is a “very present help” in trouble.  Not just “help” but a “very present help.”  The image I want you to get in your mind is that God is both our refuge or place to run to in times of trouble and strength, the ability to overcome.  Then, couple that with the reality that He is our “very present help” in trouble, and you have reason to walk confidently.

• This is not “help” promised but might or might not show up. 
• This is not “help” that has been there in the past but is not presently visible. 
• This is not “help” that might be sufficient and might continue through the entire struggle. 

This is Now Help!  This is help when you need help for as long as you need help and to the degree you need help.  Our most significant problem is not the availability of God’s help but our ability or willingness to allow Him to provide that help.  We spend too much time getting in the way when we should follow His lead.  We spend too much time trying to handle it in our own understanding, power, or ability when we should trust His wisdom, power, and strength.

If there is one thing we, as believers, need to learn or relearn, it is to “stand still and see the salvation of God.”  It is to receive His Help!

• It may not come in the way we determined it should come. 
• It may not come at the time we believe it should come. 
• It may not come through the sources we determine it should come, but rest assured It Will Come! 

It will come not because God has helped but because GOD Is Our Present Help!  It is who God is, not just what God does.  It is not found in just God’s acts but in God’s ways.  It is His nature and character to be our HELP!

Let me speak a word of encouragement to you.  No matter your present struggle, God is your refuge, so run to Him.  God is your strength, so cast your care on Him.  God is your “very present help” in your time of distress!  Believe that, trust that, ask for that, and receive that.  I pray that you will recognize His helping hand and relax, resting in His promised provision. 

May the Lord bless you as you continue your day and week!  Blessings!