Ever-Present Help

 Today's Reading:
Numbers 32:1-33:39
John 19:23-42
Psalm 46:1-11
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Focus Verses: Psalm 46:1-3 
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
 
Insight:
Trouble is never far away. Neither is God. The psalmist proclaims that God is ever-present. He is with his people in every moment of trouble.

The psalmist has complete faith in the provision and power of God. When the troubles are big, God is bigger. When the earth gives way, God is immovable. When the seas come crashing in to destroy, God is steadfast and sure. The two-fold confidence that the Lord God is almighty, and is with us gave the psalmist peace in the midst of life's storms.

Response and Action:
Truly believing in God's power, God's purposes, and God's presence makes a difference in how I face the troubles and terrors of life. When it comes to problems and pain, there is always something. That's why I need to remember that when it comes to peace and promise there is always Someone.

God is as present as my problems. His presence is even more real and persistent than my troubles because he is greater and deeper than any problem. Beyond sickness, he is the hope of health. Beyond war and politics, he is peace and truth. Beyond death, he is life. Beyond my sin and weakness, he is salvation and transformation. Beyond heartache, he is joy. Beyond darkness and despair, he is light and truth.

O God, save me from trouble and mercifully stir my heart toward complete trust in you. Grant me a deep sense of your loving presence when the troubles of life threaten to overwhelm me. Remind me of your faithfulness. Calm my heart. Help me to be still and know that you are God. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: John 14:27; 16:33
14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Resources:
For the Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope
by Max Lucado