“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46.1 NIV)
EVER present help. There is not a time when God was not. God has always been and has always been God. Holy, Loving, Merciful, Gracious, etc. When “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great” (Genesis 6.5), He was still God. When Elijah entered a God into a contest, he could do so (certain of victory) because he knew who God was, because God always is God. Who is God? God is the creator who loves His broken creation so much that in spite of our repeated betrayals, always cares for us. Regardless of how defiant we are, He sent His Son to save our souls. God forEVER is and EVER will be that same God.
Ever PRESENT help. The ESV, ASV and NKJ render these words “very present help”. As if to say, “did you forget He is right here?” In the message that inspired this article, Brother Bean wrote, “As near as our next breath”. Breathing is so normal that our bodies do not need to be reminded to take action. God is always present; lest we, like the Israelites, forget. Our breath comes from God, who first “breathed into [Adam’s] nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2.7). “In [God] we live and move and have our being…for we are indeed His offspring” (Acts 17.28). But think of the moments when we are not certain of a “next breath”. Not to dive deeply into medical science, but not breathing typically results in not living. To most, dying is frightening. In those moments may we be drawn ever nearer to the One who is our “refuge and strength”. He will “never leave you, nor forsake you.”
Ever present HELP. The CSB renders this verse, “God is our refuge and strength, a Helper who is always found in times of trouble.” Always found. God is always near and ready to pour out mercy and grace on those who come to Him. There is no one so weak or sinful that God cannot rebuild them into His child. But who is it that receives help? Those who do not refuse it.
God already sent His Son to be your salvation. Jesus already died for sins to be cleansed. God is always ready to lift your burden of sin. Will you accept His ever present help?