“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
As I read this verse this morning, I noticed in the footnotes that another translation of “very present” is “well proved.”
Let this sink in for a moment. Our God is well-proved. He has proven Himself faithful and true time and time again. And He will never fail to do so. He is our refuge, strength, and fortress. He is present in the midst of our trouble and provides flawlessly in our time of need. This is who our God is and who He will always show Himself to be.
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name” (Psalm 119:132). The psalmist makes this declaration, stating resolutely that this is the way our Lord acts toward those who love His name. He turns to them. He is gracious to them. He shows them favor. There is no question as to His goodness or faithfulness—God has proven Himself faithful, and He will not ever prove otherwise.
This is why, a few short verses later, the psalmist writes, “Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it” (Psalm 119:140). Why wouldn’t we love a promise that we know will be kept? There is so much uncertainty in our world. People make promises and break them, whether they intend to or not. This pattern can begin to affect our view of God, causing us to doubt His Word. But when we allow His Spirit to work in us, when we see His truth, His changeless character, and His matchless power as He reigns over all creation, peace begins to settle in our heart. We look to our Lord and see that He isn’t tainted by our fallen nature. He is righteous. He is holy. He is faithful. He is all-powerful and nothing can stop His promises from being fulfilled perfectly in your story.
Because He is writing your story. It is not a matter of chance or circumstances. He ordains it all. Even the darkness. It is difficult to understand why He incorporates unthinkable difficulties and pain into the chapters of our lives, but know that His every decision is made in perfect love. He will show you His glory. He will lead you in faithfulness. He will prove that He keeps His promises, not just in a general sense toward the majority of His people, but to each one of us. To you.
Draw near to your Savior. Seek His face. Trust in Him at all times, clinging to His Word. He will not fail you.
“This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”
Psalm 18:30
“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you will remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,
but you are the same, and your years have no end.”
Psalm 102:25-27
In Pleasant Places 