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

Let’s be honest, does God feel like a very present help? I hope you can say yes to this question. I have not always been able to. I have gone through periods where God felt very distant. Of course it was I who was distant, but I could not see that in those times. I simply felt lost and abandoned if I am honest.

God does not leave us. How could He say that He sends the Spirit to dwell within us when we first believe if He did? He is true to his promises and I have experienced the Spirits guiding hand enough in my life to know He is there. Some of this, maybe much of it, requires a strong sense of hindsight. We must get beyond a present trouble to see God’s hand in it.

God can be and is a refuge and strength, but we have to learn how to perceive Him in our lives. The more you see His hand the more you will know His very present help.

Reflect on: Answered prayers and times when you clearly saw God work in your life. Know He is there now or whenever you need as well.