“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

I have had troublesome times in my life. These times can be stressful. My knee-jerk response to the stress is the fix the situation, which sometimes makes it worse. This is because in the moment of crisis, we lack the perspective to see things accurately. Emotions run high during troubles, clouding our senses.

Are troubles rare? If I am any testament; no. Seems like every day I have some “trouble” or stressor to deal with. From little to big. Relationship issues tend to get the biggest reaction; especially from friends and family, but even when dealing with strangers.

Perhaps that’s why scripture reminds us that God is very present help in trouble. We might think God is far away and doesn’t care about our immediate issues, but that’s not what Scripture says. And we can believe Scripture to be the truth, unlike our emotions.

Emotions have no IQ, no perspective, no discernment. But God’s wisdom can pierce through our emotions to provide us refuge and strength to deal with the real issue and resolve it appropriately.

When we find ourselves in the midst of trouble, we must remember that God is there—He promises to be a very present help in our trouble.

When things are bad, we can lean on God to provide protection and strength; in ways no one and nothing else can.

So let’s remember to turn to God and claim His promise to be there for us. Give our situations, stressors and troubles to God. He will resolve them according to His will; He will calm our emotions and give us clarity for how to best respond; and He will give us peace that He is protecting us and providing us strength to endure despite the trouble.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you react in times of trouble?

2. How can you take small steps toward trusting God to be there during your troubles?

3. Do you believe that God’s promise to provide protection and strength applies to you? Why or why not?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for promising to be our refuge and strength. Help me to stop the next time I am in trouble and turn to you instead of responding to my emotions. Please get me through. In Jesus’ name, Amen.