“God Is Our Refuge And Strength, A Very Present Help In Trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The Lord has promised us, (yes, that’s you and me) “In your time of trouble — when you face a persistent, ever present evil — I will be your ever present help.”

The phrase “ever present” here means “always here, always available, with unlimited access.” In short, the abiding presence of the Lord is always in us. And if he is ever present in us, then he wants continual conversation with us. He wants us to talk with him no matter where we are: on the job, with family, with friends, even with non-believers.

I refuse to accept the lie that Satan has thrust upon so many of us today: that the Lord has stopped speaking to his people. The enemy wants us to think that God has allowed Satan to grow in power and influence, but that he hasn’t equipped his own people with great authority. No, never! Scripture says, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19). It doesn’t matter what the devil brings against us. God’s powering his people will always be greater than Satan’s assaults.

This verse from Isaiah actually refers to the flag-bearer who rode ahead of Israel’s army. The Lord always led His people into battle behind His own mighty standard. Likewise today, God has a glorious army of heavenly hosts who ride forth under His banner, ready to execute His battle plans on our behalf.

You may ask, so how does God bring us help in our troubles?” His help comes in the gift of His Holy Spirit, who dwells in us and works the Father’s will in our lives. Paul tells us again and again that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. We are the Lord’s dwelling place on earth.

Of course, we repeat this truth often in our worship and testimonies. Yet many of us don’t take it seriously. We simply don’t understand the power that resides in this truth. If we did grasp it and trust in it, we would never again be afraid or dismayed.

I certainly haven’t laid hold of this lesson fully. Even after all my years as a Bible student and chaplain I am still tempted to think I have to work up some emotion in order to hear from God. But the Lord is saying, “You don’t have to spend hours waiting for me. I abide in you. I am present for you, night and day.”

Listen to David’s testimony: “I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:7-8). David is declaring, “God is always present before me. And I am determined to keep Him in my thoughts. He faithfully guides me day and night. I don’t ever have to be confused.”

By faith I keep pressing on!