A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MAY 4

 

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble.

 
Religion is never so valuable as in seasons of trouble, 

   sickness, or death.
 
Then we want something which nature cannot supply; and 

  this something true religion presents.
 
Our God is our help in trouble.
 
He helps us to bear it.
 
He helps us to improve.
 
He helps us through it.
 
His choicest communications and sweetest manifestations are afforded in times of trial and distress.
 
Believer, thy God is thy refuge and strength, 

   a very present help in trouble.
 
He is never nearer than when you fancy that he stands afar off; 

  he is never kinder than when you think he hath shut up his loving-kindness in displeasure. 

Do not doubt his love.

Do not mistake his dealings.
 
Do not listen to his foe.
 
Do not forget his word.
 
But remember, if trouble comes, grace comes with it; and 

   your God is present to help you to rise above it, and

    to derive solid advantage from it.
 
Believe, when you cannot see. 

     Trust when you do not feel.
 
Wait, when you do not receive a message from God.
 
Your good is consulted in every trouble, and your God will be glorified by every trial.
 

Jehovah, thy refuge and rock,

In trouble, his help shall supply;

Though earth be remov’d with a shock,

Still God, thy Redeemer, is nigh.

 
James Smith