God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

When we are in need, we see how weak we are; how powerless we are, we can find a sure stronghold. Our refuge, our hope, our trust, our comfort, our shelter; this is the God Who surely is our strength and our help. The Lord’s presence is with us. It’s continual and is constant. He is present when we need Him and at all times.

In God we have a place of refuge; a safe place to turn to, a place of shelter and a place of absolute security. “Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover (shelter) from the tempest, as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” (Isa. 32:1-2). God is our refuge we can find complete shelter in Him. He is our place of peace.

Our God is real, present and in the here and now. Emmanuel, ‘God with us.’ We are weak, but God is our strength and our purpose. During life’s difficult times, He has the strength we need to draw on. He is able to carry us through. God is all-powerful. The believer can find his strength in God. There is no strength greater! No greater strength! “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10).

Often people despair of where to look, of where to turn, of who to turn to and of where to find help in time of need. There is an ever-present help. When things look dark, grim and gloomy, when our heart is crushed and torn, He is our help; let us lean upon Him. In times of trials, pain and grief, God is our help. God is our help when we face loneliness, heartaches, troubles, fear, broken relationships and unsettling times.

God is our Help when we are in danger, suffering depression, discouragement and despair. God is always there. When rough times come, ride out the storm. Tragedy can lead to triumph. God gives us grace in difficult times. In these trying times we can find His tenderness, new strength and renewed hope.

We are not promised a trouble free life, a pain free life or a prosperous life. But we are promised a fulfilled life in Christ. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psa. 34:19).

God is our help. He is here, a personal God, real and ever present. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5). We are never beyond the range of His watchful and caring eyes. We are never alone for He is always an ever present help in time of need. Even when He may seem far away He is a very present help; as close as a prayer away. Remain Blessed!

E. O. Medaiyese, Snr. Pastor.