Our Present Help

by Cody Carden

Sometimes, it seems like I am at a place in life where everything is constantly changing. Within a four-year span, I will have graduated high school, been through a family tragedy, married off my sister, and soon to graduate from college. These are just a few recent major events, but if I stop to think of more, there are plenty. Everything seems so temporary at times. The unknown future is so vast yet imminent.

I can remember being so overwhelmed at times and just wanting to have a mental breakdown. That would be so easy, wouldn’t it? Sit in silence and weep over the constantly moving parts in your life and let the uncertainty and doubt overtake you.

It was in these moments I clung to Psalm 46.

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:
God shall help her, and that right early.” – Psalm 46:1-5

When things that are planned and thought through ahead of time change, or things that you thought you had control over suddenly become out of reach and above you, know that God is in control. The comfort of knowing God is unchanging and always present is priceless. No matter the circumstance, God’s unchanging character needs to be the source of our strength; He needs to be our place of rest, our place of recovery, and our place of replenishment. He gives the peace that passes all understanding, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart or constantly changing.

This is a simple truth and testimony, but life-changing.

Cody Carden is completing a missions internship with John O’Malley this summer. If this was an encouragement to you, please click here to let him know.