In This Life You Will Have Trouble, But...

Scripture:  Psalm 46:1 - GOD is our refuge, and our strength, a very present help in trouble."

When I think about big trouble in all 'caps' [i.e. TRUBBO!], there's just three aspects to the resolve of it that one would want, and this is likely true for most of us: 1] the resolution as thought of just gotta HELP, and just can't be theoretical. It can't 'possibly help', or probably be helpful- it must be absolutely capable as a sho-nuff fix. Nobody naturally wants to stew in their mess. Nobody wants to wait for the relief of their big pain. Nobody wants their rescue in-a-minute when their last breath is at its end. You want that definitive, HELP right away! The Beatles would've sung 'Wontcha please, please help me!', but even that's way
 too neat for big trouble. HELP!  2] The resolve must be immediate, seen and felt, and as such, near, so my gut estimation can count on it, like money in the bank, not like the checks in the mail! That's having it PRESENT! Can't wait on the calvary. Can't have a delay for a cute remedy, give me ugly! Can't wait for all the figures to come in, the point and counter-point, nope give me beast-mode. 3] While the pinprick in the right place may do, sometimes you just want the certainty of the cannon. Let the resolve be overwhelming, let it be big, let it be VERY! in every way. If the conflict evolves towards conversation, sure, a Dr. Phil approach may help, but when stepping through the flames and the hot ash of trouble, real trouble, I'm preferring a Mike Tyson, just sayin'. 'Very, Present, Help' for when you are 'in trouble.' That's simply how we are, more so than not. Right?

So, accordingly, Psalm 46:1 is providing for us that are in, or about to have trouble to recognize HE is able, to be our shelter from the extremes outside of ourselves, as well as the source for all of our souls needs to make it through. HE is our peace!

When David offers us a psalm as this, we need to recall his persecution by a very wrathful King Saul who wanted him dead, by which he was on the run, hiding, homeless practically, and far removed from the adoring throngs following his bout with Goliath. The picnic was over and then some... but, his resolve rested with God, and with that, we have such meditations as these, reminding us all of the whom, to whom we must yield, even when between a rock and a hard place.  [so you can take Dr. Phil, and Mike Tyson off of your speed-dial, okay?]

Got trouble? Let God be your VERY in every way, He is PRESENT, and His Spirit abides within you, you who have believed. So walk humbly before the Lord, our God, and have such an expectation that He shall HELP, in righteousness and compassion, knowing that His blessing may differ from what you have called for. The Lord, He is our shepherd! [and the corollary, we are the sheep.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, whose heart and whose hands are great enough to uphold all things, please forgive me for any drifting away in my choosing. Let this day find me better, for the confession I give, and the actions to come, letting these declare the following prayer, to honor You, and to bless others. Lord, I believe, but at times, I need You to help me with the unbelief I've sheltered. I pray to stand on the heavenly grounds of grace and mercy, with the leaping that You let, be bright with thanksgiving. As the word so clearly prompts, let me reach with love, as Your love has reached and touched me. O' bless You Jesus!  Amen.

(by Dr. McNeal Brockington)