JUNE 26, 2014
Roadside
Assistance
Read: Psalm
46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. —Psalm 46:1
An acquaintance of
mine was hunting with friends near Balmoral, the country estate of the queen of
England. As they walked, he twisted his ankle so badly that he couldn’t go on,
so he told his friends to continue and he would wait by the side of the road.
As he sat there, a car
came down the road, slowed, and stopped. The woman driving rolled the window
down and asked if he was okay. He explained and said he was waiting for his
friends to return. She said, “Get in; I’ll take you back to where you are
staying.” He limped to the car and opened the door only to realize that it was
Queen Elizabeth!
As shocking as
receiving help from the queen of England may be, we have an offer of help that
is even more astounding. The Creator-God of the universe descends into our
world, sees our trouble, and offers to marshal His resources to help us. As the
psalmist confidently affirms, “God is . . . a very present help in trouble”
(Ps. 46:1). Our Savior helps by giving us grace to endure, His Word to sustain
us, friends to encourage and pray for us, and the confidence that He will
ultimately work it all together for our spiritual good.
Next time you feel
stranded along life’s road, look for your Helper.
Lord, I’m thankful
that when I experience trouble
You are waiting and
wanting to help. Teach
me to look to You and
to rest in Your kind and
loving care until You
deliver me safely home.
Rejoice! Your God is a
helping King!
Insight
Psalm 46 celebrates
God as the supreme defender of His people. This particular psalm inspired
Martin Luther to write: “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient
foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and, armed with
cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.”
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
