READY AND PRESENT HELP

Ps.46:1 – God is our refuge and strength,

A very ready and present help in trouble.

This week Victory Church is celebrating our 46th Anniversary. What a privelege to be part of this ministry all of these years. Recently a brother in our church, Joshua Stevens, approached me after our Acts class and was asking me about a visitation I had while in the hospital several years ago. As some of you know the Lord stood beside my hospital bed and recited Psalm 46 over me, as He did I heard His voice and was caught up in an incredible vision. When Joshua reminded me of this moment he mentioned the connection between Psalm 46 and our 46th Anniversary. Since that conversation with Josh I have reread this Psalm several times. It is a promise from the Lord of His presence and help in the midst of tumultuous times. I think this is a word for all of us right now, the times are chaotic but the Lord is here and powerfully at work in our midst. Here is how Spurgeon describes this.

“A very present help in trouble, or in distress he has so been found, he has been tried and proved by his people. He never withdraws himself from his afflicted. He is their help, truly, effectually, constantly; he is present or near them, close at their side and ready for their succor, and this is emphasized by the word very in our version, he is more present than friend or relative can be, yea, more nearly present than even the trouble itself. To all this comfortable truth is added the consideration that his assistance comes at the needed time. He is not as the swallows that leave us in the winter; he is a friend in need and a friend indeed. When it is very dark with us, let brave spirits say, “Come, let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm.”

“A fortress firm, and steadfast rock,

Is God in time of danger;

A shield and sword in every shock,

From foe well known or stranger.”

Spurgeon said that the Lord is more present than the trouble itself. This is absolutely true, He is not only present but orchestrating all things to accomplish His purposes and plans in our lives and in this world. He has been with our church constantly these 46 years, I know that He has our future firmly in His grasp. He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith.