Present Help | Kristi's Morning Devotional

Every generation has had to face tumultuous times. That is a fact. When Jesus lived on the earth the Romans had invaded Israel. Roman soldiers patrolled the streets, the local Jewish officials were subject to Roman law and the citizens owed taxes to Caesar.

Some who were living then thought that the Messiah would come, set up His kingdom and overthrow the Romans. They were looking for an earthly king. They longed for deliverance.

Jesus’ heart ached for them. He said they were like lost sheep, vulnerable and alone. They had wandered far from the safety of the shepherd. All through the Old Testament God, the Father, had the leaders and prophets of Israel instruct the people to follow His word and He would be their God and their refuge in times of trouble. Those in Israel had either forgotten those promises or had ignored them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets. You stone to death those that God has sent to you. Many, many times I wanted to help your people. I wanted to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you did not let me.” Matthew 23:37 ERV

Do you see those words “I wanted to gather…But you did not let me”? The Lord desires to protect us and keep us safe. That’s His Father’s heart!

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. ²I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” ³ God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. ⁴You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. ⁵You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day.” Psalm 91:1-5 ERV

The words of the Bible aren’t mindless platitudes, a good philosophy or some myth or fairy tale. They are God’s words; they are words of life to all who believe them. They are the words of a loving Father to His children. Jesus was expressing the words of the Father when he spoke over Jerusalem. From the beginning of time God has wanted to protect, guard and deliver His children.

Those same words of protection and safety are God’s words to us for this very day! Take courage and trust the Father.

Thank you Father that under the shadow of Your wings is my place of safety!

We are all familiar with baby monitors – what a great invention! Loving parents can keep watch when their children are sleeping and playing. They can hear the coos, the laughter and the cries. They are ready to run to their children’s aide the moment it’s needed.

Can anything be more reassuring?

This morning as I was viewing the baby monitor I was overwhelmed by a wonderful thought. I was watching to see if my assistance was needed; I was waiting and ready to help. I realized our heavenly Father is doing the same.

We aren’t left alone to struggle and fall without someone being there to help us up, give us a hug and wipe away our tears.

“For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].” Hebrews 2:18 AMPC

Our heavenly Father is watching over us.

“God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. ²So we are not afraid when the earth quakes (or the virus comes)* and the mountains fall into the sea. ³We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark and the mountains tremble. Selah” Psalm 46:1-3 ERV (* added by me for practical application)

There is a song that I grew up hearing on the record player. It conveys our Father’s loving care so adequately, “My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me”. It was written in 1910 but I think it applies so well to what we are going through today.

I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land, or on the rolling sea,
For come what may, from day to day,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
- Refrain:
  I trust in God, I know He cares for me;
  On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
  Though billows roll, He keeps my soul;
  My heav’nly Father watches over me.
He makes the rose an object of His care,
He guides the eagle through the pathless air,
And surely He remembers me;
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
I trust in God, for, in the lion’s den,
On battlefield, or in the prison pen,
Through praise or blame, through flood or flame,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.
The valley may be dark, the shadows deep,
But, oh, the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;
And through the gloom He’ll lead me home,
My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Our Father is ready to run to our cry. He is our help in times of trouble. We can trust Him to watch over us every day, in every place. He will never abandon us!

Tag: Present Help

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