subject: Uncompromising Help by Stephen Behrman [print this page] Uncompromising Help by Stephen Behrman Uncompromising Help by Stephen Behrman
Psalms 46:1-5 KJV To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; (3) Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. (4) There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. (5) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
This nation was possibly the best prepared for catastrophe. Buildings were constructed to withstand the violent tremors of an earthquake and public address systems were in place to insure everyone would know to take evasive and protective action. Rescue and recovery teams were well trained and provided for and they were always in a position of readiness.
For most events that might come along, these preparations might have been sufficient, but as the trembling surpassed any prior shaking and when the ensuing flood waters became higher than what could have been imagined or anticipated, all help and all means of refuge were totally overwhelmed. Structures that withstood the quaking were quickly swept away by the deluge as if they were but small toys. Whole villages were completely uprooted and displaced. For those who had once felt the 'security' of well-placed and provided for help, there was no escaping this unstoppable force, this sweeping and certain destruction. Help, once present, could no longer be found as thousands upon thousands became helpless and hopeless.
It would seem that before the raging sea and the crumbling earth's crust there could be no place of escape and no possible refuge, but there is a help that is ever present and without compromise.
Psalms 139:7-12 KJV Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (8) If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. (9) If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; (10) Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (11) If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. (12) Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
To be in Christ and to live in the promise of His presence is to live preserved from the ultimate power of the storm in a realm of joy's fullness and incomprehensible peace. That He is our refuge and our shield is not a qualified statement that is dependent upon the size of the storm or the earthquake's rating. Even if it would seem no help could possibly be effective, our God is the 'very present help' in trouble of the greatest magnitude. He is the One who formed it all in the first place and put forces into motion. There will not be a single one who could be lost from His knowing and His provision of help and recovery.
To the coming storm, and even to the storm that has already overwhelmed, there is an answer and a response from the heart that has established its secret place in God. There is no doubt that He will save, He'll deliver, He will set free. Uncompromising help is eternally in Him.
Stephen Behrman pastors at Worship Life in Cedar Park, TX. With a background in music and worship leading, he along with his wife, Kim, are passionate about pursuing a life of worship, where relationship with God touches every moment.
