God Is

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

This verse does not state "God was." nor does it state, "God will be." God is. That is present tense. The following truth in this verse is true for every generation. God is. Right now. Whatever you are going through. Wherever you are. God is.

God is our refuge. Our shelter. An inaccessible fortress. A hiding place. Outside the storms of life rage with a vengeance. There is refuge in God. He is a safe place. He offers not only shelter,but comfort and peace in the midst of chaos. Just like people seek shelter from literal storms for protection so we find shelter and protection in God's presence.

God is our strength. Strength to keep getting up day after day and plodding ahead. He is our strength to try again when we fail. He is our strength to resist temptation. He is our strength to forgive others who have wronged us. He is our strength to persevere through the next trial. He enables us to overcome setbacks. He empowers us to stay the course when we feel like quitting. He gives us the resolve to not lose heart in well doing.

God is a very present help in trouble. In adversity and affliction God is with us. He is present. Nearby. Available. At hand. We don't have to go through trouble alone. He draws near to us. He gives assistance and aid. He does not abandon us. We need to remember this.

In trouble we get confused. Everything gets disoriented as we just try to survive. This truth is an anchor for the soul. God is present and ready to help. To the tormented mind He offers peace. [Phil 4:6-7] To the tempted He offers a way of escape. [I Cor 10:13] To the heavy burdened He offers rest. [Matt 11:28] To the confused He offers counsel. [Prov 3:5-6] To the needy He offers provision. [Matt 6:25-33] To the sick He helps in prayer for healing. [James 5:16] To the brokenhearted God is near to help. [Ps 34:18-19] In grief and death God helps. [ Ps 116:15] [I Thess 4:13-18] [Phil 1:21]

God is all those things listed above and more. He is able to meet you at your point of need. You will find Him a safe place for shelter. You will find His strength to carry you through. You will find He is nearby when you need Him most. Your God is all this. May we learn this by experience and not just theory. Our God is.