Our God is a very present help in times of trouble. His covenant blessings are not just for comfort, God desires that we appropriate them. Our Heavenly Father has given us His Holy Spirit to be our helper. In times of need, rather than tell God about our troubles, we tell everyone but God. But our God has made us kings and priests, and we have a Priest who can empathize with us. He has a sympathizing heart and He knows how to console us. If today’s sins have you burdened, there is a fountain filled with blood. If your heart is heavy with guilt, take your burdens to the Lord. The redeeming grace of our Lord says you are not guilty.
The scripture says God is our refuge and our strength. He is a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Friend, you are righteous by faith. There is no need to condemn yourself. Claim the gift of righteousness. Put on your robe of righteousness and declare that you are the righteousness of God in Christ. Don’t just stand there looking at your robe: wear it. Strip off your self-righteousness and fears. Put on your robe made for righteousness. God desires that you wear it.
Parable of the Lost Sheep
The tax collectors and sinners gathered around to hear Jesus. They grumbled among themselves and accused Jesus of welcoming sinners and eating with them. So, Jesus told them this parable:
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:4-7 NKJV).
God promised to be a very present help when we need Him. He delights in helping us. Jesus is the Good Shepherd; we are the sheep. Note that the sheep in the parable allowed Jesus to carry it. Friend, you don’t have to live your life stressed out. If you allow Jesus to carry you, he will be your very present help in your time of need.