Ever Present

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill – Psalm 3:3, 4

How has God manifested Himself during those tough times you encounter? Does He comfort you through His Word or does He have someone who has been through what you have and can relate encourage you? Daniel asked the Lord to help him to understand a vision he had and even before he finished praying the angel Gabriel was at his side, explaining the vision. Sometimes, God speaks to us directly or He sends help. Sometimes He brings us to His Word where we find encouragement.

When I was going through a rough period in my life and it seemed like I was all alone, God brought the words of this psalm to my mind, reminding me that He was my shield and the lifter of my head. While everyone else seemed to forsake me, God was right there at my side.

We have God’s assurance that when we cry out to Him, He will hear us and respond. Even when we feel helpless and alone, we are not. God is right there beside us, going through the trials with us. He promised in His Word, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2).

The next time you face a trial, don’t look down but look up. Look to the Lord, your Keeper (Psalm 121:5).