The way of unshakable weakness.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
Psalm 46:1–3 ESV
Not if but when.
Trouble abounds in a broken world filled with broken people. It is not a question of if trouble will find you, but when.
In the when we often feel alone. weak. vulnerable. But in Christ, help is always near. No matter the trouble: physical, personal, relational, spiritual, mental, emotional, local, global, or even galactic. There is strength to be found.
Present.
He is present in the trouble.
He is our present strength.
A very present help.
When we can’t. He can.
In His help we find peace.
Peace in the face of the storm.
And a refuge in which to rest.
No matter the circumstance, imaginable or unimaginable, in every trial, His strength is sufficient. More than enough for your present need.
His endurance is endless. He will never fail you, no matter how long the trouble lasts.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:8–9 ESV
No need to fear a crushing blow when we are in Him. He has already taken the full weight of the world’s trouble. Transformed it into resurrection power for those who trust Him — those who know they are weak and in need of help.
…your life is now hidden in Christ with God.
Colossians 3:3 NRSV
Trust Him when your world falls apart, when the ground shifts beneath your feet, and your heart breaks. In the depths of the most troubling trouble, He is a present strength, worthy of all your trust.
When your world shifts.
For most, world-shifting trouble comes not from earthquakes, mountains falling into the sea, or the upheaval of nations, but from places much closer to home. When loved ones break our hearts or their heartbreaks break us. When we bring trouble into our own world with sin, or someone else ushers their sin into our lives.
I’ve experienced some unbelievable ground shaking heartbreak over the years. Some of my own making, some inflicted by those I love. Some of the trouble before I found myself in Him, and some after.
One of the miraculous ways of His Kingdom is how He blesses us with strength to face what we’ve done before we knew Him in addition to all that transpires after we enter into His Way.
Strength in weakness.
He showed up in my darkness. Providing strength to face a season of healing. My heart suffering with self-inflicted wounds of sin. In turn, He’s blessing me with strength to walk with others in search of healing.
He gave strength to get up off the kitchen floor when the heartbreak of another’s choice left me in a puddle of tears. Words of grace reminded me of His healing power. Strength found in the truth He turns darkness into light. Brings beauty — more beauty — out of wilderness wandering.
Very present help.
In present trouble, day to day, He provides timely strength.
Oh! But it’s a battle to remember He’s present… He’s strong… when things seem tumultuous… unsure… shaky…
Present Strength.
When you need Him.
Trust Him.
He’s there in the moment.
Evil doesn’t win.
The enemy doesn’t win.
Trouble doesn’t get the last word.
He does.
So the psalmist ends his song:
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
Psalm 46:10–11 ESV
Hush now.
Settle down.
Know.
Trust.
He is God.
He is present.
He is your strength.
An unshakable fortress.
In your time of need.
Amen.
What trouble have you faced? are you facing? or fearing will come?
Do you trust Him to be your present strength?
Ask Him where He is or was in your troubles. Allow Him to open your eyes to the strength He’s given you and wants to give.
Day 5 of Jeremiah’s Menu: Revisited. The creating of a new devotional on my Medium journey.
Jeremiah's Menu 