God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God is a sure shelter, fortress and strong tower for his people, and the unfailing source of strength and power to uphold them in every trouble. To be a very present help means he is personally near, immediate and continual, ready to help whenever trouble comes. That help is Christ himself beside those who call on him, and his Spirit given in every time of need, supplying grace and moral power to resist evil and live as Christ lived. It is received by full faith and trusting prayer, by daily surrender and obedience, and by remembering past mercies with gratitude rather than turning to human wisdom or earthly supports. Therefore his people need not fear though earth and mountains be shaken, kingdoms rage, and the final time of trouble comes, for he will sustain, deliver and give peace, rest and courage through every sickness, sorrow, temptation and daily need.
Meaning of the Promise
God is a sure refuge, shelter, fortress, strong tower and defense, and a source of strength and power for his people in trouble. Because he is able to help, trouble need not lead to fear, despair or mourning, but prayer joined with praise for his help and remaining blessings leads believers to see more of his salvation. Because God is with his people and protects them, they need not fear even though the earth be removed and shaken, mountains be carried and thrown into the sea, waters roar and shake with swelling, and nations and kingdoms rage. His lasting protection stands against the uncertainty and instability of life on earth, and those who trust in him are safe under his protection amid coming judgments. In Judah's crisis the people trusted wholly in God, he proved their fortress and deliverer by giving victory over enemies, and afterward they could sing the psalm with understanding and rejoice in his help.
A very present help means God is personally near, immediate, continual and ever-present to help whenever trouble comes. God in Christ Jesus is refuge and strength to all who put trust in him, fulfilling his promise to be with his followers always even to the end of the world, and calling Christians to hunger for the leaves of the tree of life which are for the healing of the nations. This confidence replaces despair with comfort as health and hope return, brightens clouded hope and renews faith, including during sickness and recovery. It is a promise of shelter and strength and ready help when trouble comes, to be held onto with thanks and praised openly together with others. It is present help in every time of need, where truth serves as counselor in difficulties and guide in every relation of life, with its principles directing conduct in public and private. To the worker who calmly trusts him God is very near in preaching and personal work, guarding against wearing out body and mind by nervous energy, constant speaking to large congregations, turmoil, discomfort, weariness and despair, and calling the worker to stop, rest, sit with Christ and wait for renewal of spiritual and physical strength.
God-made mountains and caves can serve as safe retreats for his oppressed and persecuted children in trial, but their confidence is directed to God himself, the maker of the everlasting hills. The mountains that sheltered the persecuted Waldenses stood as reminders of his creative power and protecting care. Their valleys provided asylum from human cruelty and their cliffs offered defense when enemies pursued, giving a place where worshipers were not lonely but could worship, praise and give thanksgiving freely without being silenced.
His strength includes grace for grace and moral power, giving Christ's own mercy, love and power to display in thought, word and deed. Those who daily surrender their wills to God receive shelter, strength and near help in trouble as the fulfillment of grace for grace, with every showing of Christ's grace toward them given for them to speak and act Christ Jesus, even meeting the removing of the earth and carrying of mountains into the sea without fear. The one who must reach a higher standard and be renewed in heart can daily seek God for strength and grace to put away all bitterness and malice, to let obedient love flow forth every day and every hour, and to honor God in daily work, in the family and in business dealings as one responsible for the influence of words and spirit. By relying on this close help he can follow the path marked out for every Christian, do all to the Lord, represent Christ in character, live as Jesus lived, be a living letter read and known by all, and become a life-giving strength to fellow workers, with heavenly dignity refining, purifying and ennobling words and actions. Christ is a very present help in every time of trouble to all who receive him, giving them power to become sons of God and supplying moral power to resist the enemy and do one's best, so that wavering faith is shameful and weakness is one's own fault with no excuse for failure, yet the help is freely available to all who choose to come to Christ, with the Bible placed in their hands as a guiding light to walk in. Jesus as all-sufficient present help and refuge knows human griefs and troubles, carries burdens, and can help those who are tempted when they come to him in faith, so that looking to him rather than dwelling on weakness and discouragement brings hope and faith.
The verse belongs with the rest of the psalm, for God stands behind those who preach the Word, is in the midst of his city so she shall not be moved and helps her early, is with his people as the Lord of hosts and the God of Jacob, and will be exalted among the heathen and in the earth when he makes desolations and causes wars to cease. It means putting trust in the Lord, grasping infinite power by faith, staying united heart to heart with the Source of all power, and not fearing or giving way to despondency when sad things happen and increasing pressure hedges up the way, even though earth be removed and mountains, seas, nations and kingdoms rage and shake. It means being settled and grounded in truth, holding fast the Word of God, keeping prayers ascending, and continuing to preach the gospel to every creature as the great and only principle of the world's regeneration, with men, women and youth united in that work.
No Fear Amid Upheaval
God protects his own, so they need not fear even though the earth is removed, mountains are carried into the midst of the sea, waters roar and swell and shake, and nations and kingdoms rage. He is a sure refuge and strength, shelter and power, personally present to help in trouble, and because he is with his people and will deliver them they can trust him when faithful people face deadly persecution. Those who have sacrificed all for Christ and kept integrity in the very face of death, tested before the world, are secure, hidden as in the secret of his pavilion, and suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men turned to demons. Through a rift in the clouds a star of fourfold brilliancy speaks hope and joy to them while speaking severity and wrath to transgressors, their pale anxious haggard faces glow with wonder, faith and love, and they sing the promise with verses 2-3 as a triumphant song of fearlessness. God in Christ Jesus is that refuge and strength to all who trust him, fulfilling his promise to be with his followers always even to the end, calling them to hunger for the leaves of the tree of life which are for the healing of the nations.
His lasting protection stands against the uncertainty and instability of life on earth when everything else seems shaken. Though the earth heaves and mountains depart, his kindness and covenant of peace remain, and those who trust him are not forsaken in danger and weakness. At the final triumph the righteous will be seen to have been strong through God, made strong in his strength and endued with his Spirit, having hidden in Jesus as shelter from the storm, clung close to him, and sought his grace and great salvation. In that great day of supreme triumph wickedness in all its forms and pride will be revealed as weak, miserable failure and defeat.
That fearlessness holds amid coming judgments, when those who trust in God are safe under his protection even as earth and mountains are shaken. It holds amid riots and war and the instability of earthly kingdoms, where his protection as sure refuge and defense is mightier than every human power and he remains a present help in trouble.
Proved in Bible History
God proved himself a sure refuge and strength when Judah faced overwhelming invasion under Jehoshaphat, for the people trusted wholly in him and he became their fortress and deliverer by giving victory, so that afterward they could sing the psalm with understanding and rejoicing in his help. Hezekiah had already known God as protection and strength in prosperous days, and therefore when gravely ill, with human help failing, hope gone and death announced, he could still turn to that same God in prayer for healing when sickness was fatal.
Elijah should have trusted God to shield him from Jezebel and stood firm for truth, and God would have protected him and could have given another victory aiding reform. Quiet trust and firm reliance bring present help in time of need, as God met Elijah in distress. Daniel and his companions had repeatedly turned to God for guidance, protection and strength, and when their lives were threatened they again sought wisdom and deliverance from him, and he answered by revealing the king's dream and its meaning. He is a present source of help and strength in perplexity and danger, revealing needed secrets to servants who trust him and turn to him for strength in trial. Those steadfast to principle can rely on his help amid opposition and persecution, for his angels are still present. Christ is a present help whenever help is needed, and students calling on him learn from Daniel to receive help to resist temptation and live with integrity.
Joseph's experience shows God present to help and defend in fierce temptation and trouble, with his Spirit giving strength and grace to resist and remain faithful. Though falsely accused and imprisoned for resisting sin, Joseph trusted God with his reputation and interests, remained faithful, was preserved through trial, had affliction turned to good, and had his reputation guarded until the right time. The mountains sheltering the persecuted Waldenses witnessed to God's creative power and protecting care, giving assurance of his care as a sure refuge and strength in danger. Their valleys provided asylum from human cruelty and their cliffs defense when enemies pursued, so that in those solitary places worshipers praised God freely and their songs of thanksgiving could not be silenced.
When the gospel cause is in great danger from powerful enemies, with risk of snare and loss, God is a faithful strong tower, refuge and power who will not abandon his people, and his cause is kept safe when they entrust it to him and pledge to stand firm and go forward with courage. Trust in his present help steadies and encourages those threatened for the gospel, revives sinking faith, banishes anxious foreboding, and lightens gloomy, troubled, heavy hearts with inspiring strength. Moses trusted God as present help whose presence he needed to carry him through danger, trials, temptation, misunderstanding, insult and danger for Christ's sake, giving strength to persevere without retaliation. Enoch likewise relied on God in perplexity, praying for protection and guidance in doing God's will. When weak travelers near fainting on difficult journeys prayed for strength, help came that enabled them to complete the journey and bear testimony.
Hope in Final Crisis
God is shelter and power near to help his faithful people who have sacrificed all for Christ and held fast their integrity in the very face of death when they are tested before the world and the despisers of truth. They are secure, hidden as in the secret of the Lord's pavilion, faithful to him who died for them, and then suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men turned to demons, transformed to demons. Through a rift in the clouds a star of fourfold brilliancy beams hope and joy upon them while bringing severity and wrath to transgressors of the law. A marvelous change comes over them, their pale, anxious, haggard faces becoming aglow with wonder, faith and love, and they sing the promise with verses 2-3 as a triumphant song declaring they will not fear though the earth is removed and the mountains are carried into the sea and the waters roar and shake.
The promise belongs to those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus when calamities by land and sea, by fire and flood, by pestilence and famine, by accidents and earthquakes in many places testify that the end of all things is at hand and Babylon comes into remembrance before God. While men's hearts fail for fear in looking for what shall come upon the earth and the powers of heaven are shaken, Christ's righteousness goes before his people and the glory of the Lord guards behind them, so they will not fear even though the earth is removed and the mountains are carried into the sea and the waters roar and the mountains shake. This holds even when the heavens pass away with noise and the elements melt with heat and the earth is burned up at the coming of the day of God. The God of all grace is a very present help in time of need, giving assurance for the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation that is right upon us when believers are brought into strait places never known before. It calls for awaking like the sleeping virgins, keeping feet in the narrow path, gaining an experience not yet had, preparing, and asking the Lord Jesus to place his everlasting arms underneath and carry through the trial before us.
When religious liberty is threatened and persecution makes circumstances seem most forbidding, Christ is a refuge for God's faithful people and God will intervene to reveal his power on their behalf. Together with verse 2 the promise assures that God's people need not fear even amid upheaval and mortal danger. Those whose names are written in the book of life will be delivered, and lives entrusted to God remain safe, hidden with Christ in God, even when obedience leads to the gates of death.
Christ and Spirit Help
Christ himself is the ever-present, all-sufficient, never-failing help, close beside those who call upon him in faith and willing to help in every emergency. There is no limit placed upon his help and no case is hopeless, because his death has made provision for every soul and his promise to hear and answer can be trusted. Confidence rests not on human strength but on his sufficiency, so thoughts are to turn from self and personal inefficiency to him as the source of every blessing and grace. He is a sure refuge in all distress to those who cast care upon him, giving courage to the physician who asks aid of the great Physician and works as seeing the invisible One who is faithfulness and truth, and assurance that the suffering one can be brought safely through even a critical operation. He understands the struggles of the young, does not forsake those who trust him, hears the prayer of the contrite, and helps them as they strive to overcome faults of character, and when Satan contends for the soul, looking to Jesus brings strength to resist the enemy and turn apparent defeat into victory.
His help gives power to receive him and become sons and children of God, rather than relying on uncertain human beings. It supplies moral power to resist the enemy and to do one's best, so wavering faith is shameful and weakness is one's own fault with no excuse for failure. Christians still face temptation and trials, but those trials can purify and strengthen them and form strong, balanced characters. The help is freely available to all who choose to come to Christ and to all who love Jesus and search the Scriptures to know and obey his will in everything, with God's power pledged to faithfulness and his Word fulfilled to all who are true and receive and impart his great gifts, and with the Bible placed in their hands as a guiding light to walk in.
That help is found in Christ by those fallen in sin and weighed down with care and sorrow and temptation, for transgressors of the law are not left to struggle alone or to be the sport of Satan. By repentance and faith they may come to God through Christ, claim his promises, and receive pardoning love. Coming to Christ and taking the steps of conversion leads to seeking heavenly things where Christ sits at God's right hand, becoming partakers of the divine nature, laying the load of sin at the cross, leaving sin, and being clothed with Christ's righteousness which covers no cherished iniquity but washes clean every stain.
Jesus can help because he understands human weakness and is a sympathizing Friend, knowing human sorrows, temptations, conflicts and anguish because he endured them. He grew weary with unbelief in his mission, prayed all night for strength to bear insult and mockery and the charge of having a devil, grew weary standing to heal the sick, was beset by the wily foe disguised as an angel of light, and bore reproach and falsifying by men in responsible positions in his life among the highways and byways. Though now glorified in the heavenly courts at the right hand of God his Father, he has not forgotten that history, and his consolation assures of inexpressible love while his promise to be with his workers always even to the end gives the best companionship to those bearing testimony amid willing misunderstanding, false statements and opposition when no human help understands and the soul is left alone.
God's very present help in trouble is his Spirit, provided as present help in every time of need because without Christ nothing can be done. Turning to God when in trouble and seeking the Lord for the efficiency of the Holy Spirit gives strength from promises that are yea and amen to every trusting soul, while making flesh an arm instead of seeking the Lord leaves a feeble religious experience. That help makes service effectual when sought with broken and subdued hearts and intensity of desire beyond formal prayers, receiving the fulness of grace and power and letting the Holy Spirit take possession of the powers of mind and body.
God in Christ Jesus is refuge and strength to all who put trust in him, fulfilling his promise to be with followers always even to the end of the world, so they will not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea and shake with swelling waters. God's gift of Christ pledges unfailing help in every trial and difficulty, for Christ watches over and guards his people, having all power in heaven and earth, while turning from God the source of strength to worldly power means relying instead on fallible human help. Jesus the precious Saviour, proved many times over in personal experience, is comfort, strength, refuge and only hope to those troubled in mind and sick in body, calling them to cease worrying and unbelief, to stop thinking he does not love them or condemns them with severity, to realize weakness, believe his love, take him at his word, and cast themselves unreservedly on the merciful provisions he has made, with the privilege even if dying to commit the whole being, body, soul and spirit, into the hands of a just and merciful God who waits to help and heal.
Received by Trusting Prayer
God is received as refuge and strength by full faith and trust that grasps infinite power and takes hold of His strength by faith rather than relying on own merits, wisdom or judgment, with strength given suited to the day and in proportion to need. For the exhausted worker who looks to Jesus and trusts His mighty power to save, declaring Him a very present help replaces despondent, complaining tones with trustful, joyous confidence, revives drooping spirits, restores waning strength, and makes ready for any emergency and to brave any danger with beaming countenance and warm, joyous heart. Those who cling to Him will not be left or forsaken but will be delivered by His power, and resting the soul on Him brings peace and confidence that removes worry even about the care of loved ones. The needy soul may take hold of this simply by taking God at His word, without expecting a great deed or a difficult, elaborate process of conversion.
His help is found by bringing troubles, burdens, sufferings, griefs and deepest concerns to Jesus in prayer rather than relying on people who may disappoint, for He hears, comes near, gives strength to the weak who seek Him, gives rest, carries burdens, watches over those who come, and gives promised rest for the soul even now. He is sought in the early morning hours alone with Him for help and counsel, and those hours give a sacred sense of the Saviour's presence, clearness of mind, and faith and hope, making them precious time not to be given up. Those meeting obstacles in following Christ are to press onward bravely and uncomplainingly, telling the Lord all their troubles and believing His Word, and He will hear earnest, importunate prayer and answer it from a full treasure-house to be drawn from continually that never becomes exhausted and never grows weary of prayer, so there is no need for discouragement.
It is received by daily surrender of the will to God, dying to self, humility, meekness, wholehearted obedience, devotion, keeping the commandments, and following His guidance rather than own limited wisdom, with prosperity hidden with Him in Christ and dependent on refusing to trust in people or human strength. Every showing of Christ's grace toward such is for them as grace for grace, giving Christ's own mercy, love and power to display in thought, word and deed, even to meet the removing of the earth and carrying of mountains into the sea without fear. The Lord guides in judgment, counsels, shows the way to walk, gives wisdom and leads in safe paths, but people walk safely only as they keep His commandments. Those who are obedient are in a position where He can bless them to the glory of His name, giving ever-ready help to all who serve Him in preference to serving self, and when He sees a heart to do His will He causes them to know the doctrine. Even amid heavy cares and active business believers may maintain steadfast character by keeping the Lord before them, praying and relying on His power through Christ the mighty Helper, while neglecting Him multiplies cares, and those who seek Him with the whole heart may find Him.
It is received by remembering past mercies and help with gratitude, praise and rejoicing rather than murmuring, complaint, despondency or dwelling on darkness, complaints and imagined troubles, which strengthens trust to go forward. When trouble comes and the future is uncertain He gives grace to endure, and past mercies strengthen trust that He will help again even through tribulation, so that no tribulation can separate from Christ. Trusting faith rests on His past acts, whose remembrance strengthens and upholds through trials, confident that God may lead through hardship for good and His glory and will bring relief in His own time, calling for praise, thanksgiving and confidence to go forward. Those who trust Him are never left nor forsaken and their children are in His hands, receiving strength proportionate to the trial so present peace need not be disturbed by anticipated trials, taking up present work and duty without repining or mournfulness, with cheerful and hopeful mind, living by faith daily, diligently remembering and recounting how God was better than fears, interposed with power and grace, sustained, comforted, supplied every want, soothed every pain and dispelled fear. They do not borrow trouble beforehand, for no grace is given for anticipated troubles, but rejoice and praise God today, and when sore conflict comes have learned holy confidence and blessed trust, placing hands in Christ's hands and feet on the Rock of Ages, waiting on the Lord secure from storm and tempest, glad in the Lord, showing forth His praises with sweet meditation on Him to whom the keeping of the soul is committed, while noticing and gratefully dwelling on blessings turns attention toward His love, mercy and care and gives reason to speak with faith and hope.
It is not received by turning to idols, agents of darkness, human wisdom and strength, counsel or earthly friends, for those disappoint and lead astray, while turning to them dishonors the Creator and rejects the help He offers. His long history of kindness and love and His abundant promises give reason to trust Him for help, wisdom, light and direction, trusting Him as sanctification and redemption, for God alone gives unerring counsel. Jesus is the Friend who alone can help when no human helper can understand the anguish of heavy responsibility, giving aid in greatest need to the helpless soul that trusts and hangs upon Christ, so it is wise not to trust in any mortal. In the hour of fierce conflict in combat with Satan and his host of invisible allies, when as far as human help is concerned a person remains alone, the Lord alone understands and can be trusted, the keeping of the soul and the special work are to be committed to Him, and the Mediator and Comforter does not leave even when Satan interposes his presence and companionship, so there is no need to fear, for the Redeemer was tempted in every way, impresses the mind, and never leaves nor forsakes. Those who let troubles drive them to Him bear them with Christian calm instead of fretting and reproach.
It is received by seeking God wholeheartedly and making Him first, clinging to Him, staying close to Him, and committing the soul to Him as a faithful Creator, holding to promises of His Word that are rich and full and free. Though what is before is unknown and a veil hangs over the future, believers have the privilege of thanking God for refuge, knowing God is with them and cares for them. This applies to entering new duties that bring new blessings but also new trials, dangers, difficulties, problems to solve, disagreeable experiences and temptations, calling for allowing no difficulty to discourage but remembering past mercies and resting in His care. To those who earnestly seek Him and trust Him wholly He is a present help, giving reason to speak with faith and hope and to notice blessings with gratitude.
Present in Every Need
God is refuge in sickness as in health, near to give strength when sudden illness strikes, when the body is helpless and in severe pain, when a critical operation is faced, and when care is received in a sanitarium and recovery begins. Prayer in that crisis turns the sufferer to divine care and mercy, bringing relief, healing, comfort, and renewed hope, and even when immediate restoration is not granted it sustains and comforts through affliction. Rest among trees and sunshine with good treatment and wholesome food can become the means by which health returns, changing hopelessness and despondency to hope, cheerfulness and contentment, brightening faith and invigorating the mind. That restored health calls for gratitude for divine gifts and renewed obligation, for God is very near and delights to see His gifts appreciated. In bereavement joined with physical weakness, trust gives strength to submit steadily and endure grief without complaint or despair.
Full faith in God as sure refuge and very present help replaces despondent, complaining tones with trustful, joyous confidence, so that trouble need not produce fear, despair or mourning. Prayer joined with praise for help already given and blessings still remaining opens the way to see more of salvation, while looking to Jesus revives drooping spirits, restores waning strength, and makes ready for any emergency and any danger with beaming countenance and warm heart. Those who commit the soul to Him need not despair, for His present help and strength overcome difficulties within and without, even a stormy temper. Amid weariness, homesickness, sadness, heartache and exhaustion, His reign gives assurance that every perplexity and sorrow will end, and in affliction and perplexity His presence brings comfort, hope and soothing balm as troubles are entrusted to His care and spiritual refreshment is drawn deeply from the water of salvation.
The Lord stands at the head of His work as help in every emergency, standing behind the cause of present truth, giving strength to hold firmly to principle, to guard the soul vigilantly, and to put on the armor of righteousness. When obstacles make the way seem impossible and faith and patience are tested, earnest prayer and humble reliance bring wisdom, open the way and grant victories to preachers in Washington and neglected cities, to missionary and health-food enterprises, to schools and to soul-winning. Those who feel lack of ability and heavenly wisdom may turn to God as strength, and He meets their need, giving valuable experience, spiritual strength and growth in knowledge of truth that enables them to bless others. That unfailing presence leaves no excuse for neglecting real missionary work, including at the sanitarium where burdens for supporting missionary enterprises are borne.
Young people should seek God as refuge and strength rather than rely on self-confidence, for they face dangers and deceptions that require His help and protection. Christ understands the struggles of the young, does not forsake those who trust Him, hears the prayer of the contrite, and helps them strive to overcome faults of character. Calling on Him brings present help whenever needed to resist temptation and live with integrity, as Daniel did, and students deciding eternal destiny may so find power to stand true. When temptation or discouragement presses hardest Jesus comes especially near, seeing unseen danger and saving from the enemy, giving strength to resist and conquer, though pressure never compels sin nor excuses transgression. When life is dark and the heart oppressed, every trouble may be brought to Jesus in trust that He will not abandon, for His power to strengthen and help exceeds human understanding and His help is constant and unfailing.
In perplexity, opposition, persecution and temptation, God is continually near to those who do right, watching over them, supplying need, keeping safe in great danger, guiding, delivering from trouble and sheltering from hostile words. The heart stayed upon Him through prayer cannot finally be overcome, for divine promises, grace and power secure deliverance and preserve peace. Power is pledged to the faithful who show patience, so that in doing His work they may face trying circumstances with courage, relying not on own strength but on His. Following His direction removes anxiety, for He has power over the forces of nature and will not forsake those who serve Him, and even if earth is shaken and mountains and waters are in turmoil, His people need not fear deadly persecution but may trust His protection.
In daily life He is present help in every time of need amid active business and great cares, and seeking Him and keeping Him in mind forms steadfast character, whereas leaving Him out of sight multiplies cares rather than lessening them. He is personally present to give what each emergency requires, leading in safe paths and giving wisdom, yet safety comes by keeping His commandments and following His guidance rather than limited human wisdom. Trusting Him simply and seeking His counsel gives courage and support instead of dependence on human advice alone, supplying physical, mental and spiritual strength that will not fail. He hears and supplies help and wisdom when He sees need, so His people are not left to guide themselves, for His prevailing power can do more than they ask or think. His guidance is needed in decisions, danger, poverty, family absence, marriage and school matters because human wisdom may repeat past mistakes or make worse ones, while He gives counsel, direction, sanctification and redemption and cares for loved ones better than human care as father, keeper and constant guide.
His help does not mean exemption from trials, losses, disappointments or bereavements, for Christians still face temptation and trial. Believers may draw near and endure in His strength, learning valuable lessons and receiving precious grace, while trials purify, strengthen and form strong, balanced character and give power to resist the enemy and become children of God. No tribulation can separate from Christ, and when He leads into hardship it is for good and for glory, turning bitterness to sweetness and providing need, so that past mercies are praised while going forward. In sore distress He is refuge and present help in every emergency, teaching to look to God as strength, to trust rather than fret or rebel, and to surrender self while character is purified.
As the Rock of salvation He gives reason to stand firm and rejoice even while suffering, so that when human support is taken away a person may stand and flourish by leaning on Him alone without failing or being shaken. Faith brings Him as constant Helper who is close when His people are discouraged, disappointed and needy, calling never to give up to discouragement. That help gives victories through faith to those who come in prayer, trust and obey, setting goodness before them and leading by counsel through the Spirit, providences and the Word. Weaknesses and infirmities may be carried to Him day by day, finding abiding presence, with strength proportioned to trial, childlike safety amid conflict, peace, rest, safety, courage, comfort, hope, cheerfulness and contentment, and a cheerful people resting without worry in love.
God is a sure shelter, fortress and strong tower for his people, and the unfailing source of strength and power to uphold them in every trouble. To be a very present help means he is personally near, immediate and continual, ready to help whenever trouble comes. That help is Christ himself beside those who call on him, and his Spirit given in every time of need, supplying grace and moral power to resist evil and live as Christ lived. It is received by full faith and trusting prayer, by daily surrender and obedience, and by remembering past mercies with gratitude rather than turning to human wisdom or earthly supports. Therefore his people need not fear though earth and mountains be shaken, kingdoms rage, and the final time of trouble comes, for he will sustain, deliver and give peace, rest and courage through every sickness, sorrow, temptation and daily need.
Meaning of the Promise
God is a sure refuge, shelter, fortress, strong tower and defense, and a source of strength and power for his people in trouble. Because he is able to help, trouble need not lead to fear, despair or mourning, but prayer joined with praise for his help and remaining blessings leads believers to see more of his salvation. Because God is with his people and protects them, they need not fear even though the earth be removed and shaken, mountains be carried and thrown into the sea, waters roar and shake with swelling, and nations and kingdoms rage. His lasting protection stands against the uncertainty and instability of life on earth, and those who trust in him are safe under his protection amid coming judgments. In Judah's crisis the people trusted wholly in God, he proved their fortress and deliverer by giving victory over enemies, and afterward they could sing the psalm with understanding and rejoice in his help.
A very present help means God is personally near, immediate, continual and ever-present to help whenever trouble comes. God in Christ Jesus is refuge and strength to all who put trust in him, fulfilling his promise to be with his followers always even to the end of the world, and calling Christians to hunger for the leaves of the tree of life which are for the healing of the nations. This confidence replaces despair with comfort as health and hope return, brightens clouded hope and renews faith, including during sickness and recovery. It is a promise of shelter and strength and ready help when trouble comes, to be held onto with thanks and praised openly together with others. It is present help in every time of need, where truth serves as counselor in difficulties and guide in every relation of life, with its principles directing conduct in public and private. To the worker who calmly trusts him God is very near in preaching and personal work, guarding against wearing out body and mind by nervous energy, constant speaking to large congregations, turmoil, discomfort, weariness and despair, and calling the worker to stop, rest, sit with Christ and wait for renewal of spiritual and physical strength.
God-made mountains and caves can serve as safe retreats for his oppressed and persecuted children in trial, but their confidence is directed to God himself, the maker of the everlasting hills. The mountains that sheltered the persecuted Waldenses stood as reminders of his creative power and protecting care. Their valleys provided asylum from human cruelty and their cliffs offered defense when enemies pursued, giving a place where worshipers were not lonely but could worship, praise and give thanksgiving freely without being silenced.
His strength includes grace for grace and moral power, giving Christ's own mercy, love and power to display in thought, word and deed. Those who daily surrender their wills to God receive shelter, strength and near help in trouble as the fulfillment of grace for grace, with every showing of Christ's grace toward them given for them to speak and act Christ Jesus, even meeting the removing of the earth and carrying of mountains into the sea without fear. The one who must reach a higher standard and be renewed in heart can daily seek God for strength and grace to put away all bitterness and malice, to let obedient love flow forth every day and every hour, and to honor God in daily work, in the family and in business dealings as one responsible for the influence of words and spirit. By relying on this close help he can follow the path marked out for every Christian, do all to the Lord, represent Christ in character, live as Jesus lived, be a living letter read and known by all, and become a life-giving strength to fellow workers, with heavenly dignity refining, purifying and ennobling words and actions. Christ is a very present help in every time of trouble to all who receive him, giving them power to become sons of God and supplying moral power to resist the enemy and do one's best, so that wavering faith is shameful and weakness is one's own fault with no excuse for failure, yet the help is freely available to all who choose to come to Christ, with the Bible placed in their hands as a guiding light to walk in. Jesus as all-sufficient present help and refuge knows human griefs and troubles, carries burdens, and can help those who are tempted when they come to him in faith, so that looking to him rather than dwelling on weakness and discouragement brings hope and faith.
The verse belongs with the rest of the psalm, for God stands behind those who preach the Word, is in the midst of his city so she shall not be moved and helps her early, is with his people as the Lord of hosts and the God of Jacob, and will be exalted among the heathen and in the earth when he makes desolations and causes wars to cease. It means putting trust in the Lord, grasping infinite power by faith, staying united heart to heart with the Source of all power, and not fearing or giving way to despondency when sad things happen and increasing pressure hedges up the way, even though earth be removed and mountains, seas, nations and kingdoms rage and shake. It means being settled and grounded in truth, holding fast the Word of God, keeping prayers ascending, and continuing to preach the gospel to every creature as the great and only principle of the world's regeneration, with men, women and youth united in that work.
No Fear Amid Upheaval
God protects his own, so they need not fear even though the earth is removed, mountains are carried into the midst of the sea, waters roar and swell and shake, and nations and kingdoms rage. He is a sure refuge and strength, shelter and power, personally present to help in trouble, and because he is with his people and will deliver them they can trust him when faithful people face deadly persecution. Those who have sacrificed all for Christ and kept integrity in the very face of death, tested before the world, are secure, hidden as in the secret of his pavilion, and suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men turned to demons. Through a rift in the clouds a star of fourfold brilliancy speaks hope and joy to them while speaking severity and wrath to transgressors, their pale anxious haggard faces glow with wonder, faith and love, and they sing the promise with verses 2-3 as a triumphant song of fearlessness. God in Christ Jesus is that refuge and strength to all who trust him, fulfilling his promise to be with his followers always even to the end, calling them to hunger for the leaves of the tree of life which are for the healing of the nations.
His lasting protection stands against the uncertainty and instability of life on earth when everything else seems shaken. Though the earth heaves and mountains depart, his kindness and covenant of peace remain, and those who trust him are not forsaken in danger and weakness. At the final triumph the righteous will be seen to have been strong through God, made strong in his strength and endued with his Spirit, having hidden in Jesus as shelter from the storm, clung close to him, and sought his grace and great salvation. In that great day of supreme triumph wickedness in all its forms and pride will be revealed as weak, miserable failure and defeat.
That fearlessness holds amid coming judgments, when those who trust in God are safe under his protection even as earth and mountains are shaken. It holds amid riots and war and the instability of earthly kingdoms, where his protection as sure refuge and defense is mightier than every human power and he remains a present help in trouble.
Proved in Bible History
God proved himself a sure refuge and strength when Judah faced overwhelming invasion under Jehoshaphat, for the people trusted wholly in him and he became their fortress and deliverer by giving victory, so that afterward they could sing the psalm with understanding and rejoicing in his help.
Hezekiah had already known God as protection and strength in prosperous days, and therefore when gravely ill, with human help failing, hope gone and death announced, he could still turn to that same God in prayer for healing when sickness was fatal.
Elijah should have trusted God to shield him from Jezebel and stood firm for truth, and God would have protected him and could have given another victory aiding reform. Quiet trust and firm reliance bring present help in time of need, as God met Elijah in distress.
Daniel and his companions had repeatedly turned to God for guidance, protection and strength, and when their lives were threatened they again sought wisdom and deliverance from him, and he answered by revealing the king's dream and its meaning. He is a present source of help and strength in perplexity and danger, revealing needed secrets to servants who trust him and turn to him for strength in trial. Those steadfast to principle can rely on his help amid opposition and persecution, for his angels are still present. Christ is a present help whenever help is needed, and students calling on him learn from Daniel to receive help to resist temptation and live with integrity.
Joseph's experience shows God present to help and defend in fierce temptation and trouble, with his Spirit giving strength and grace to resist and remain faithful. Though falsely accused and imprisoned for resisting sin, Joseph trusted God with his reputation and interests, remained faithful, was preserved through trial, had affliction turned to good, and had his reputation guarded until the right time.
The mountains sheltering the persecuted Waldenses witnessed to God's creative power and protecting care, giving assurance of his care as a sure refuge and strength in danger. Their valleys provided asylum from human cruelty and their cliffs defense when enemies pursued, so that in those solitary places worshipers praised God freely and their songs of thanksgiving could not be silenced.
When the gospel cause is in great danger from powerful enemies, with risk of snare and loss, God is a faithful strong tower, refuge and power who will not abandon his people, and his cause is kept safe when they entrust it to him and pledge to stand firm and go forward with courage. Trust in his present help steadies and encourages those threatened for the gospel, revives sinking faith, banishes anxious foreboding, and lightens gloomy, troubled, heavy hearts with inspiring strength.
Moses trusted God as present help whose presence he needed to carry him through danger, trials, temptation, misunderstanding, insult and danger for Christ's sake, giving strength to persevere without retaliation. Enoch likewise relied on God in perplexity, praying for protection and guidance in doing God's will. When weak travelers near fainting on difficult journeys prayed for strength, help came that enabled them to complete the journey and bear testimony.
Hope in Final Crisis
God is shelter and power near to help his faithful people who have sacrificed all for Christ and held fast their integrity in the very face of death when they are tested before the world and the despisers of truth. They are secure, hidden as in the secret of the Lord's pavilion, faithful to him who died for them, and then suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men turned to demons, transformed to demons. Through a rift in the clouds a star of fourfold brilliancy beams hope and joy upon them while bringing severity and wrath to transgressors of the law. A marvelous change comes over them, their pale, anxious, haggard faces becoming aglow with wonder, faith and love, and they sing the promise with verses 2-3 as a triumphant song declaring they will not fear though the earth is removed and the mountains are carried into the sea and the waters roar and shake.
The promise belongs to those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus when calamities by land and sea, by fire and flood, by pestilence and famine, by accidents and earthquakes in many places testify that the end of all things is at hand and Babylon comes into remembrance before God. While men's hearts fail for fear in looking for what shall come upon the earth and the powers of heaven are shaken, Christ's righteousness goes before his people and the glory of the Lord guards behind them, so they will not fear even though the earth is removed and the mountains are carried into the sea and the waters roar and the mountains shake. This holds even when the heavens pass away with noise and the elements melt with heat and the earth is burned up at the coming of the day of God. The God of all grace is a very present help in time of need, giving assurance for the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation that is right upon us when believers are brought into strait places never known before. It calls for awaking like the sleeping virgins, keeping feet in the narrow path, gaining an experience not yet had, preparing, and asking the Lord Jesus to place his everlasting arms underneath and carry through the trial before us.
When religious liberty is threatened and persecution makes circumstances seem most forbidding, Christ is a refuge for God's faithful people and God will intervene to reveal his power on their behalf. Together with verse 2 the promise assures that God's people need not fear even amid upheaval and mortal danger. Those whose names are written in the book of life will be delivered, and lives entrusted to God remain safe, hidden with Christ in God, even when obedience leads to the gates of death.
Christ and Spirit Help
Christ himself is the ever-present, all-sufficient, never-failing help, close beside those who call upon him in faith and willing to help in every emergency. There is no limit placed upon his help and no case is hopeless, because his death has made provision for every soul and his promise to hear and answer can be trusted. Confidence rests not on human strength but on his sufficiency, so thoughts are to turn from self and personal inefficiency to him as the source of every blessing and grace. He is a sure refuge in all distress to those who cast care upon him, giving courage to the physician who asks aid of the great Physician and works as seeing the invisible One who is faithfulness and truth, and assurance that the suffering one can be brought safely through even a critical operation. He understands the struggles of the young, does not forsake those who trust him, hears the prayer of the contrite, and helps them as they strive to overcome faults of character, and when Satan contends for the soul, looking to Jesus brings strength to resist the enemy and turn apparent defeat into victory.
His help gives power to receive him and become sons and children of God, rather than relying on uncertain human beings. It supplies moral power to resist the enemy and to do one's best, so wavering faith is shameful and weakness is one's own fault with no excuse for failure. Christians still face temptation and trials, but those trials can purify and strengthen them and form strong, balanced characters. The help is freely available to all who choose to come to Christ and to all who love Jesus and search the Scriptures to know and obey his will in everything, with God's power pledged to faithfulness and his Word fulfilled to all who are true and receive and impart his great gifts, and with the Bible placed in their hands as a guiding light to walk in.
That help is found in Christ by those fallen in sin and weighed down with care and sorrow and temptation, for transgressors of the law are not left to struggle alone or to be the sport of Satan. By repentance and faith they may come to God through Christ, claim his promises, and receive pardoning love. Coming to Christ and taking the steps of conversion leads to seeking heavenly things where Christ sits at God's right hand, becoming partakers of the divine nature, laying the load of sin at the cross, leaving sin, and being clothed with Christ's righteousness which covers no cherished iniquity but washes clean every stain.
Jesus can help because he understands human weakness and is a sympathizing Friend, knowing human sorrows, temptations, conflicts and anguish because he endured them. He grew weary with unbelief in his mission, prayed all night for strength to bear insult and mockery and the charge of having a devil, grew weary standing to heal the sick, was beset by the wily foe disguised as an angel of light, and bore reproach and falsifying by men in responsible positions in his life among the highways and byways. Though now glorified in the heavenly courts at the right hand of God his Father, he has not forgotten that history, and his consolation assures of inexpressible love while his promise to be with his workers always even to the end gives the best companionship to those bearing testimony amid willing misunderstanding, false statements and opposition when no human help understands and the soul is left alone.
God's very present help in trouble is his Spirit, provided as present help in every time of need because without Christ nothing can be done. Turning to God when in trouble and seeking the Lord for the efficiency of the Holy Spirit gives strength from promises that are yea and amen to every trusting soul, while making flesh an arm instead of seeking the Lord leaves a feeble religious experience. That help makes service effectual when sought with broken and subdued hearts and intensity of desire beyond formal prayers, receiving the fulness of grace and power and letting the Holy Spirit take possession of the powers of mind and body.
God in Christ Jesus is refuge and strength to all who put trust in him, fulfilling his promise to be with followers always even to the end of the world, so they will not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea and shake with swelling waters. God's gift of Christ pledges unfailing help in every trial and difficulty, for Christ watches over and guards his people, having all power in heaven and earth, while turning from God the source of strength to worldly power means relying instead on fallible human help. Jesus the precious Saviour, proved many times over in personal experience, is comfort, strength, refuge and only hope to those troubled in mind and sick in body, calling them to cease worrying and unbelief, to stop thinking he does not love them or condemns them with severity, to realize weakness, believe his love, take him at his word, and cast themselves unreservedly on the merciful provisions he has made, with the privilege even if dying to commit the whole being, body, soul and spirit, into the hands of a just and merciful God who waits to help and heal.
Received by Trusting Prayer
God is received as refuge and strength by full faith and trust that grasps infinite power and takes hold of His strength by faith rather than relying on own merits, wisdom or judgment, with strength given suited to the day and in proportion to need. For the exhausted worker who looks to Jesus and trusts His mighty power to save, declaring Him a very present help replaces despondent, complaining tones with trustful, joyous confidence, revives drooping spirits, restores waning strength, and makes ready for any emergency and to brave any danger with beaming countenance and warm, joyous heart. Those who cling to Him will not be left or forsaken but will be delivered by His power, and resting the soul on Him brings peace and confidence that removes worry even about the care of loved ones. The needy soul may take hold of this simply by taking God at His word, without expecting a great deed or a difficult, elaborate process of conversion.
His help is found by bringing troubles, burdens, sufferings, griefs and deepest concerns to Jesus in prayer rather than relying on people who may disappoint, for He hears, comes near, gives strength to the weak who seek Him, gives rest, carries burdens, watches over those who come, and gives promised rest for the soul even now. He is sought in the early morning hours alone with Him for help and counsel, and those hours give a sacred sense of the Saviour's presence, clearness of mind, and faith and hope, making them precious time not to be given up. Those meeting obstacles in following Christ are to press onward bravely and uncomplainingly, telling the Lord all their troubles and believing His Word, and He will hear earnest, importunate prayer and answer it from a full treasure-house to be drawn from continually that never becomes exhausted and never grows weary of prayer, so there is no need for discouragement.
It is received by daily surrender of the will to God, dying to self, humility, meekness, wholehearted obedience, devotion, keeping the commandments, and following His guidance rather than own limited wisdom, with prosperity hidden with Him in Christ and dependent on refusing to trust in people or human strength. Every showing of Christ's grace toward such is for them as grace for grace, giving Christ's own mercy, love and power to display in thought, word and deed, even to meet the removing of the earth and carrying of mountains into the sea without fear. The Lord guides in judgment, counsels, shows the way to walk, gives wisdom and leads in safe paths, but people walk safely only as they keep His commandments. Those who are obedient are in a position where He can bless them to the glory of His name, giving ever-ready help to all who serve Him in preference to serving self, and when He sees a heart to do His will He causes them to know the doctrine. Even amid heavy cares and active business believers may maintain steadfast character by keeping the Lord before them, praying and relying on His power through Christ the mighty Helper, while neglecting Him multiplies cares, and those who seek Him with the whole heart may find Him.
It is received by remembering past mercies and help with gratitude, praise and rejoicing rather than murmuring, complaint, despondency or dwelling on darkness, complaints and imagined troubles, which strengthens trust to go forward. When trouble comes and the future is uncertain He gives grace to endure, and past mercies strengthen trust that He will help again even through tribulation, so that no tribulation can separate from Christ. Trusting faith rests on His past acts, whose remembrance strengthens and upholds through trials, confident that God may lead through hardship for good and His glory and will bring relief in His own time, calling for praise, thanksgiving and confidence to go forward. Those who trust Him are never left nor forsaken and their children are in His hands, receiving strength proportionate to the trial so present peace need not be disturbed by anticipated trials, taking up present work and duty without repining or mournfulness, with cheerful and hopeful mind, living by faith daily, diligently remembering and recounting how God was better than fears, interposed with power and grace, sustained, comforted, supplied every want, soothed every pain and dispelled fear. They do not borrow trouble beforehand, for no grace is given for anticipated troubles, but rejoice and praise God today, and when sore conflict comes have learned holy confidence and blessed trust, placing hands in Christ's hands and feet on the Rock of Ages, waiting on the Lord secure from storm and tempest, glad in the Lord, showing forth His praises with sweet meditation on Him to whom the keeping of the soul is committed, while noticing and gratefully dwelling on blessings turns attention toward His love, mercy and care and gives reason to speak with faith and hope.
It is not received by turning to idols, agents of darkness, human wisdom and strength, counsel or earthly friends, for those disappoint and lead astray, while turning to them dishonors the Creator and rejects the help He offers. His long history of kindness and love and His abundant promises give reason to trust Him for help, wisdom, light and direction, trusting Him as sanctification and redemption, for God alone gives unerring counsel. Jesus is the Friend who alone can help when no human helper can understand the anguish of heavy responsibility, giving aid in greatest need to the helpless soul that trusts and hangs upon Christ, so it is wise not to trust in any mortal. In the hour of fierce conflict in combat with Satan and his host of invisible allies, when as far as human help is concerned a person remains alone, the Lord alone understands and can be trusted, the keeping of the soul and the special work are to be committed to Him, and the Mediator and Comforter does not leave even when Satan interposes his presence and companionship, so there is no need to fear, for the Redeemer was tempted in every way, impresses the mind, and never leaves nor forsakes. Those who let troubles drive them to Him bear them with Christian calm instead of fretting and reproach.
It is received by seeking God wholeheartedly and making Him first, clinging to Him, staying close to Him, and committing the soul to Him as a faithful Creator, holding to promises of His Word that are rich and full and free. Though what is before is unknown and a veil hangs over the future, believers have the privilege of thanking God for refuge, knowing God is with them and cares for them. This applies to entering new duties that bring new blessings but also new trials, dangers, difficulties, problems to solve, disagreeable experiences and temptations, calling for allowing no difficulty to discourage but remembering past mercies and resting in His care. To those who earnestly seek Him and trust Him wholly He is a present help, giving reason to speak with faith and hope and to notice blessings with gratitude.
Present in Every Need
God is refuge in sickness as in health, near to give strength when sudden illness strikes, when the body is helpless and in severe pain, when a critical operation is faced, and when care is received in a sanitarium and recovery begins. Prayer in that crisis turns the sufferer to divine care and mercy, bringing relief, healing, comfort, and renewed hope, and even when immediate restoration is not granted it sustains and comforts through affliction. Rest among trees and sunshine with good treatment and wholesome food can become the means by which health returns, changing hopelessness and despondency to hope, cheerfulness and contentment, brightening faith and invigorating the mind. That restored health calls for gratitude for divine gifts and renewed obligation, for God is very near and delights to see His gifts appreciated. In bereavement joined with physical weakness, trust gives strength to submit steadily and endure grief without complaint or despair.
Full faith in God as sure refuge and very present help replaces despondent, complaining tones with trustful, joyous confidence, so that trouble need not produce fear, despair or mourning. Prayer joined with praise for help already given and blessings still remaining opens the way to see more of salvation, while looking to Jesus revives drooping spirits, restores waning strength, and makes ready for any emergency and any danger with beaming countenance and warm heart. Those who commit the soul to Him need not despair, for His present help and strength overcome difficulties within and without, even a stormy temper. Amid weariness, homesickness, sadness, heartache and exhaustion, His reign gives assurance that every perplexity and sorrow will end, and in affliction and perplexity His presence brings comfort, hope and soothing balm as troubles are entrusted to His care and spiritual refreshment is drawn deeply from the water of salvation.
The Lord stands at the head of His work as help in every emergency, standing behind the cause of present truth, giving strength to hold firmly to principle, to guard the soul vigilantly, and to put on the armor of righteousness. When obstacles make the way seem impossible and faith and patience are tested, earnest prayer and humble reliance bring wisdom, open the way and grant victories to preachers in Washington and neglected cities, to missionary and health-food enterprises, to schools and to soul-winning. Those who feel lack of ability and heavenly wisdom may turn to God as strength, and He meets their need, giving valuable experience, spiritual strength and growth in knowledge of truth that enables them to bless others. That unfailing presence leaves no excuse for neglecting real missionary work, including at the sanitarium where burdens for supporting missionary enterprises are borne.
Young people should seek God as refuge and strength rather than rely on self-confidence, for they face dangers and deceptions that require His help and protection. Christ understands the struggles of the young, does not forsake those who trust Him, hears the prayer of the contrite, and helps them strive to overcome faults of character. Calling on Him brings present help whenever needed to resist temptation and live with integrity, as Daniel did, and students deciding eternal destiny may so find power to stand true. When temptation or discouragement presses hardest Jesus comes especially near, seeing unseen danger and saving from the enemy, giving strength to resist and conquer, though pressure never compels sin nor excuses transgression. When life is dark and the heart oppressed, every trouble may be brought to Jesus in trust that He will not abandon, for His power to strengthen and help exceeds human understanding and His help is constant and unfailing.
In perplexity, opposition, persecution and temptation, God is continually near to those who do right, watching over them, supplying need, keeping safe in great danger, guiding, delivering from trouble and sheltering from hostile words. The heart stayed upon Him through prayer cannot finally be overcome, for divine promises, grace and power secure deliverance and preserve peace. Power is pledged to the faithful who show patience, so that in doing His work they may face trying circumstances with courage, relying not on own strength but on His. Following His direction removes anxiety, for He has power over the forces of nature and will not forsake those who serve Him, and even if earth is shaken and mountains and waters are in turmoil, His people need not fear deadly persecution but may trust His protection.
In daily life He is present help in every time of need amid active business and great cares, and seeking Him and keeping Him in mind forms steadfast character, whereas leaving Him out of sight multiplies cares rather than lessening them. He is personally present to give what each emergency requires, leading in safe paths and giving wisdom, yet safety comes by keeping His commandments and following His guidance rather than limited human wisdom. Trusting Him simply and seeking His counsel gives courage and support instead of dependence on human advice alone, supplying physical, mental and spiritual strength that will not fail. He hears and supplies help and wisdom when He sees need, so His people are not left to guide themselves, for His prevailing power can do more than they ask or think. His guidance is needed in decisions, danger, poverty, family absence, marriage and school matters because human wisdom may repeat past mistakes or make worse ones, while He gives counsel, direction, sanctification and redemption and cares for loved ones better than human care as father, keeper and constant guide.
His help does not mean exemption from trials, losses, disappointments or bereavements, for Christians still face temptation and trial. Believers may draw near and endure in His strength, learning valuable lessons and receiving precious grace, while trials purify, strengthen and form strong, balanced character and give power to resist the enemy and become children of God. No tribulation can separate from Christ, and when He leads into hardship it is for good and for glory, turning bitterness to sweetness and providing need, so that past mercies are praised while going forward. In sore distress He is refuge and present help in every emergency, teaching to look to God as strength, to trust rather than fret or rebel, and to surrender self while character is purified.
As the Rock of salvation He gives reason to stand firm and rejoice even while suffering, so that when human support is taken away a person may stand and flourish by leaning on Him alone without failing or being shaken. Faith brings Him as constant Helper who is close when His people are discouraged, disappointed and needy, calling never to give up to discouragement. That help gives victories through faith to those who come in prayer, trust and obey, setting goodness before them and leading by counsel through the Spirit, providences and the Word. Weaknesses and infirmities may be carried to Him day by day, finding abiding presence, with strength proportioned to trial, childlike safety amid conflict, peace, rest, safety, courage, comfort, hope, cheerfulness and contentment, and a cheerful people resting without worry in love.