A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE

The above might be rendered, “A help readily found in trouble”. The psalmist, whoever he was and whenever he wrote, had historical proof that this was true. Long before, Moses had said, “what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?”. In his final blessing upon the people, he also said, “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms”, Deut. 4. 7; 33. 27.

In Jehoshaphat’s reign, Moab and Ammon declared war on Judah. He “feared, and set himself to seek the Lord”, saying, “If … we … cry unto thee in our affliction (trouble), then thou wilt hear and help”. The Lord responded, “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle … stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord”, 2 Chron. 20. 3, 9, 17. At a later period, when Jerusalem was besieged by the Assyrian armies, Hezekiah besought the Lord saying, “This day is a day of trouble”. God answered, “Be not afraid”. Shortly after, the siege was lifted and the enemy withdrew his forces, 2 Kings 19. 3, 6, 7. The Lord not only “maketh wars to cease”, Psa. 46. 9, but is also able to prevent them.

The knowledge of divine help readily available filled the psalmist with confidence. Despite catastrophes, natural or political, he says, “Therefore will we not fear”, vv. 1-3. We live in a time of political instability and international tension. Men are fearful and kingdoms are moved, v. 6, but we belong to “a kingdom which cannot be moved”, Heb. 12. 28, and should not fear. God is still on the throne.

His help in trouble applies individually as well as nationally. David said, “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles”, Psa. 34. 6; and again, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me”, 138. 7. He encouraged others, “The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble … send thee help from the sanctuary”, 20. 1-2. Of the Lord it is recorded, “Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help”, 22. 11. God says, “call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee”, 50. 15.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace … and find grace to help in time of need”, Heb. 4. 16.