“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1). The word refuge was often used in Psalms. What is a refuge? Refuge is a shelter or protection from danger or distress; refuge is finding a safe place during a storm, or emergency. Moses found help in the clift of the rock (Ex.33:22). Some sought refuge under His wings. “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler” (Psa. 91:4). The Lord is able to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Eph.3:20). What is over your head is under His feet (1Cor. 15:27).
Psalms records many responses of the Lord’s very present help. “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (18:2). “He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence” (62:2). “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence…In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times… God is a refuge for us” (62:6-8). Selah.
I also compiled many other times when He responded to those who needed a very present help. He is my Rock, my Deliverer, my Fortress, my Refuge, my Strength, my Help, my Salvation, my Shield, my Defense, my Shepherd, my Redeemer, my Strong Tower, my King, my Buckler (a small round shield buckled on the forearm), my High Tower, my Helper, my very present Help, my Horn of salvation, my Hiding place, my Keeper, my Shade. (Ref: Psa. 23:1; 28:11; 46:11; 54:4; 94:22; 118:6;14) Note: Some are repetitive because several experienced the same help. Also notice “MY” meaning they personally experienced the Lord’s help. They Called – He Came.
Others may be absent, but the Lord is present. He is “there” a very present help (Heb.13:5). Today, we are grateful for First Responders, people with specialized training who are the first to arrive and provide help at the scene of an emergency. First responders are firefighters, EMS, police, local volunteers, medical teams, and natural disaster teams. We call – They come.
Good News! The Lord was The First Responder and He continues to be a First Responder. He is our 911, Mayday, SOS and First Responder. You call – He comes! Then you can also personally say, He is my deliverer.” Thought: It would be good to start each day picking the “present help” needed for the day. You may need a refuge instead of a deliverer. Let Him know exactly your need. “Lord this day I need you to be my refuge.” Try it! You might like it! I did and I do!
Lesson to Learn:
The Lord is our First Responder.
