Ever-Present Help
God promises to be our ever-present help in times of trouble, and we can trust in his abiding presence to guide us.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is our ever-present help in times of trouble, as promised in Psalms 46:1. He explains that God's abiding presence means He is always available for conversation, regardless of our circumstances. Wilkerson refutes the lie that God has stopped speaking to His people, asserting that God's power within us is greater than any evil we face. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as our helper and counselor, reminding us that we are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Ultimately, he encourages believers to recognize and trust in God's constant presence, as exemplified by David's unwavering faith.
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God has promised us, "In your time of trouble--when you face a persistent, ever-present evil--I will be your ever-present help" (Psalm 46:1).
The phrase "ever present" means "always here, always available, with unlimited access." In short, the abiding presence of the Lord is always in us. And if he's 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 Satan has thrust upon so many of God's people today: that the Lord has stopped speaking to his people. The enemy wants us to think God has allowed Satan to grow in power and influence, but that he hasn't equipped his own people with greater 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 power in 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 still 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 minister, I'm still tempted to think I have to work up some emotion in order to hear from God. No, 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'm determined to keep him in my thoughts. He faithfully guides me day and night. I don't ever have to be confused."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Promise of Ever-Present Help
- A. God's promise in Psalm 46:1
- B. The meaning of 'ever present'
- II. The Enemy's Lie
- A. Satan's deception about God's silence
- B. The truth of God's power in his people
- III. God's Help in Troubles
- A. The gift of the Holy Spirit
- B. The power of the Spirit in our lives
- IV. Taking Hold of the Truth
- A. Understanding the power of God's presence
- B. Trusting in God's abiding presence
Key Quotes
“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.'” — David Wilkerson
“God is always present before me. And I'm determined to keep him in my thoughts.” — David Wilkerson
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We can trust in God's abiding presence to guide us, even in the midst of troubles.
- We don't have to spend hours waiting for God to speak to us; he is always present and available.
- We must take seriously the truth of God's presence in our lives and trust in his power to overcome Satan's assaults.