December 19

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. — Ps 46:1 BSB

The Christian who has experienced what it means to worship God in spirit and in truth has a God who will help him in his deepest troubles. As long as the spirit of prayer remains in his heart—and once given, this spirit is never taken away—he can pour out his heart before God at times and seasons, finding help and strength in Him. This is one of his blessed resources: he has a God to go to, the Lord Almighty, whose ears are open to his cries. Along with this, all the promises are on his side, promises that are yes and amen in Christ Jesus. He is also equipped with the sword, the shield, and the whole armor of God. He has faith and hope, and secret supplies of strength that are made perfect in weakness. He is not without the knowledge of the truth, nor is he without the evidence of a saving interest in it.

So, even if a Christian finds himself in the greatest perplexity, he still has the voice of prayer within him, and a living faith that rises up to trust in the Son of God, who has revealed Himself to his soul. He has the firm anchor of hope, secure within the veil. He is not like a sailor lost on a vast ocean without a rudder, chart, or compass. He knows what to do, which way to go, and the land toward which he is always looking. Even in the greatest difficulty, he knows that at the right hand of the Father, there is Jesus, on whom help is laid—One who is mighty to save.

Still, the deep impression remains in his soul, from past revelations of the King in His beauty, that this Jesus is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him. So, he is never without resources, help, or hope.