Our Present Help in Trouble

David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

Many dear brothers and sisters in Christ tell me true stories of incredible hardships that keep piling up and discouragements that keep coming at them. Humanly speaking, they all seem to be impossible situations, and my heart goes out to every believer who experiences such trials. 

Every Christian must be convinced that he or she is precious and loved and that God is near. In fact, the closer the enemy comes, the more faithful God is to reveal his nearness, and the more tightly he will hold his precious child’s hand. 

Scripture says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NKJV). The root word for “trouble” here is a tight place. Are you in a tight place? Read God’s promises to get you out of that place: 

  • “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may he send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion” (Psalm 20:1-2).
  • “I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy, for you have considered my trouble; you have known my soul in adversities, and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a wide place. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body!” (Psalm 31:7-9).
  • “Oh, how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have prepared for those who trust in you in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of your presence from the plots of man; you shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (Psalm 31:19-20).
  • “Blessed be the Lord, for he has shown me his marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, ‘I am cut off from before your eyes’; nevertheless you heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to you. Oh, love the Lord, all you his saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:21-24).