God Our Helper; “God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” — Psalms 46:1, 10 (NASB1995)
Our Present Help in Times of Trouble
A fundamental fact of life is that trouble is inevitable for everyone. This truth is echoed in Scripture:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” — Isaiah 43:2 (NASB1995)
Note that it says “when,” not “if.” Trouble is unavoidable, but when it comes, our Heavenly Father assures us of a way out.
Romans 15:4 tells us:
“… whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
We will explore this Trouble-Present Help scenario from Scripture.
Study Part Two Of This Devotional; God Our Helper
Passing Through the Waters
- The Israelites Crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22)
As the Israelites fled from Egypt, they faced the Red Sea. Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and God parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to pass through on dry ground.
The trouble (Red Sea) was not removed, but there was a way through it.
God’s deliverance and presence in seemingly impossible situations are assured.
- Joshua Leading Israel Through the Jordan River (Joshua 3:15-17)
When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, the Jordan River was at flood stage. God stopped the flow of the river as soon as the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground.
Sometimes, the trouble (the Jordan River) is stopped.
God is always present to help.
Passing Through the Rivers
- Elijah and Elisha Crossing the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8)
Before Elijah was taken up to heaven, he and Elisha came to the Jordan River. Elijah took his cloak, struck the water, and it divided, allowing them to cross on dry ground.
The trouble (Jordan River) is sometimes averted through God-inspired faith that produces action.
This act of faith invoked God’s power and presence.
- Elisha’s Crossing (2 Kings 2:14)
After Elijah was taken up, Elisha struck the Jordan River with Elijah’s cloak, and the waters divided once again.
The trouble (Jordan River) could resurface as a pattern passed down from generation to generation, but God remains unchanged.
God’s continued presence and help are demonstrated here, just as it had been with Elijah.
Walking Through the Fire
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3:23-27)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into a blazing furnace.
Trouble (fire) can also occur as a result of our stand on righteousness and reverence to God.
God protected them, and they emerged unharmed, not even smelling of smoke, demonstrating God’s power to preserve His faithful servants.
- The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:2-3)
Moses encountered a bush that was on fire but not consumed.
Sometimes, what seems like trouble (burning bush) is an avenue for God to get your attention and speak to you.
God spoke to Moses from the bush, revealing His presence and calling Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The burning bush symbolizes God’s holy presence that does not destroy.
Real-Life Testimony
A young man was wrongly placed in a challenging program at work, which could have ultimately led to him being fired. Frustrated and disappointed, he found solace in God’s word.
He was particularly encouraged by the Psalm that says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).
Standing on God’s promise of deliverance, he persevered and did not give up. After six months, he was taken off the program.
There was such a noticeable turnaround that his colleagues could see the difference. God truly came through for him, and his faith in God was strengthened immensely.
Yes, trouble will come, but God’s help is always available, inspiring us to remain hopeful.
In Part 2, we will explore God’s Blessed Assurance.
