An Ever-Present Help in Trouble
The divine presence of God is the greatest mercy in the world, providing comfort, strength, and refuge in times of trouble.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound comfort and assurance found in God's ever-present help during times of trouble. He reflects on Isaiah 43:1-3, highlighting that God's presence is a unique and invaluable mercy that enhances all other blessings in life. Brooks encourages believers to be grateful for this divine companionship, especially in their darkest moments, as it brings peace and strength to the soul. He reminds the congregation that God's promise to be with us is a source of hope and security, urging them to continually praise Him for His unwavering support.
Text
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned
you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through
the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass
through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When
you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the
flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your
God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!" Isaiah 43:1-3
This divine presence is the greatest good in the world.
The people of the Lord should be very thankful for His
presence with them in their greatest troubles and deepest
distresses. O Sirs! this divine presence is a great mercy.
It is a special mercy, it is a distinguishing mercy, it is a
big-bellied mercy--which has many mercies in its womb.
It is a mercy-greatening mercy; it greatens all the mercies
we enjoy. It is a mercy-sweetening mercy; it sweetens
health, strength, riches, honors, trade, relations, etc.
It is a soul-mercy, a mercy which reaches the soul, which
cheers the soul, which lifts up the soul, which quiets the
soul, which satisfies the soul, and which will go to heaven
with the soul. Will you not be thankful for such a mercy?
Will you be thankful for temporal mercies--and will you
not be thankful for spiritual mercies? To enjoy the presence
of God when we most need it, is a mercy which deserves
perpetual praises. It is the greatest mercy in this world,
to enjoy the gracious presence of God in our great troubles
and desperate dangers. Therefore be much in blessing God,
and in admiring God--for His presence with you in a dark
and trying day.
"I will be with you; I will never leave you nor
forsake you." Joshua 1:5
"The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob
is our fortress!" Psalm 46:7
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present
help in trouble." Psalm 46:1
Sermon Outline
- I. The Divine Presence is a Great Mercy
- A. It is a special mercy
- B. It is a distinguishing mercy
- C. It is a big-bellied mercy
- II. The Divine Presence Sweetens All Mercies
- A. It sweetens temporal mercies
- B. It sweetens spiritual mercies
- III. The Divine Presence is a Soul-Mercy
- A. It reaches the soul
- B. It cheers the soul
- C. It lifts up the soul
Key Quotes
“This divine presence is the greatest good in the world.” — Thomas Brooks
“I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Thomas Brooks
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- We should be thankful for the divine presence with us, especially in times of trouble and desperation.
- We can express gratitude for the divine presence by being much in blessing God and admiring His presence with us.
- The divine presence sweetens all our mercies, both temporal and spiritual, and reaches the soul, cheering and lifting it up.