(Jared Waterbury, “Meditations and Prayers” 1840) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!” Psalm 46:1
“Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upwards!” The world in which we dwell is but “a valley of tears.” Sin has caused these tears to flow. And every sinner must, sooner or later–pour in his contribution of personal grief, to swell the general tide of sorrows. The domestic circle must be invaded by the ruthless hand of death! Wealth may abound one day, to be followed by poverty the next. Or even if retained, riches may prove a source of anxiety and temptation to its possessor. In short, all must drink of the bitter cup!
Alas, the poor lost sinner, who finds all his happiness in the things of earth–
when these are gone, has nothing left. He has no shelter from the storm. It must beat upon his naked head. But not so the Christian. He can say, under the severest afflictions, “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble!”
O what an unspeakable blessing to have an almighty support! How calming to the soul in the dark hour of adversity, to be able to pour all its sorrows into the bosom of God! When death has seemed to hover over us, to aim his shafts at us or ours–what sweet consolation have we found in God! In “the secret place of the Most High,” we have been able to dwell safely.
When the world without has been covered with gloom, all has been sunshine within. When the power of the tempter has overwhelmed us, the arm of Jesus has lifted us up. And He has pointed out a way of escape. Whatever then are our trials, let us still trust in God, our “ever-present help in times of trouble.” His promise, whatever is our situation, is “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me!” 2 Corinthians 12:9
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