An Ever-Present Help

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” 

Psalm 46:1 

Facing heart surgery, Doug spoke with the surgeon before the procedure. “You might encounter some depression while you’re healing,” the doctor said. “It’s common among heart patients.” Doug, who hardly ever had a down day, didn’t think so. Even so, after surgery, a deep depression did descend.  

One day as he was walking around the block with his walker, he stopped and prayed, “God, please lift this depression from me. I need Your help right now.” He took four steps when a car suddenly pulled over. It was his neighbor, who’d heard about the surgery and handed Doug some flowers.  

“These are for you,” the man said and drove away. Now, Doug wasn’t all that big on flowers, but from that moment on, the depression melted away. God is our “ever-present help in trouble.” If you are troubled, stop where you are and call out to Him. He is present, and He will hear. 

Father, You have shown Yourself strong time after time in my life. I have called, and You have come. Sometimes it’s with relief for my pain. Sometimes, it’s with strength to persevere. And sometimes You send one of Your people through a phone call, a note, an email, or a visit. Praise You, Lord, for hearing my weakest cry.