Help In Times Of Trouble

DIRECTED STEPS

After lugging my terracotta pots to the truck, I went back inside the house to see if my friend was finished at the estate sale.

When I didn’t see her, I decided to check out the kitchen again. My first run-through was brisk. The thought of missing an antique bowl or passing up a rolling pin left me eager for a second look.

As I stepped into the small kitchen, I noticed another woman perusing the sea of cooking utensils. After a few moments, she spoke. One of those passing comments about estate sales in general. I replied, neither of us looking at each other as we both continued browsing. She said something that told me she was a believer in God. I responded, acknowledging God as well.

She stated that her 40-year-old daughter was setting up her first place. “How exciting!” I declared, as I turned to face her and she turned towards me.

She was lovely, her coffee-colored complexion framed with a vibrant floral head wrap.

Explaining a bit more, she mentioned that she was actually on the way to a doctor’s appointment. “I’m getting a CAT scan,” she stated. The fear in her eyes betraying her frank pronouncement. Her confession seemed to increase her anxiety level—the cat was out of the bag. But instead of spilling the beans and finding relief, the tension mounted.

The known, but unknown can be brutal. Knowing something is wrong, but not knowing exactly what can leave us troubled, terrified, or wavering at any point between the two.

I knew all too well the dicey process of scans from my late husband’s cancer journey.

CHURCH

I made a general inquiry about her situation and she mentioned something about her head.

The fear was palpable.

“Let’s pray,” I said as I held out my hands, palms up.

Holding hands we bowed our heads and ran to God’s throne.

I thanked God for His goodness, recounted His faithfulness, prayed promises, and acknowledged that He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

The words flowed like a fully opened faucet. Right there, in the middle of the kitchen—we had church. A congregation of two desperate saints, joining hearts and hands as we sought God.

WORSHIP

When I finished praying, I looked up to see her tear-streaked face—softened and peaceful.

Seemingly touched, she stated that she was the one who normally prayed for others.

Thank You, Lord, for allowing her to receive after always praying for others.

Through tears, she explained she was not planning on coming to the estate sale. She was nervous about going to the doctor and when she saw the estate sale sign her car just “pulled in.”

I told her I had already paid for my purchases and when I didn’t see the friend I came with, I decided to look more closely at the items in the kitchen.

We both marveled over God’s ways.“God is always cooking up something good,” I exclaimed.

During our conversation, she mentioned looking for a dipper of some sort. “Well, you’re looking for a dipper and God has living water for us. He tells us to open our mouths wide and He will fill us.” (Psalm 81:10)

Her eyes twinkled as excitement and joy swirled together. Laughter and smiles seasoned the moment. Blending a heaping portion of hope with our connection through Christ, left us both savoring the exquisite feast God was serving up.

Drawing a deep breath, my new friend exhaled slowly then said something. I cannot recall what she said, but I knew where we needed to go.

SHADE OF GRACE

Fear was bombarding this dear saint. The heat of her trial was intense, but the promise of Isaiah 26:3 (SEE PREVIOUS POST Trusting God Brings Perfect Peace) would provide a gracious refuge.

“God promises to keep us in perfect peace when we keep our mind on Him because we trust Him,” I shared.

You would have thought I had handed her a platter of fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies.

Her eyes and posture said it all—more.

I repeated the verse and the scripture reference. Nodding her head and seemingly drinking in God’s truth, she repeated the scripture reference as if to help her remember.

And what a truth to cling to as she navigates her health journey.

A VERY PRESENT HELP

Having this week’s SHADE OF GRACE verse ready on our lips because it is written on our hearts will direct us into rich realms when we find ourselves troubled.

God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 ESV

Safety and strength reside with God. We can flee to Him, taking shelter in His faithful care and eternal love. The One who calmed the raging sea can calm our boiling fears. Through faith, His strength becomes ours as we take refuge in Him.

My sister in Christ was troubled, so we turned to God through prayer.

Accessible, available, always ready—God assists us in our distress when we recognize our need and rely on Him. Coming into His presence through prayer allowed us both to taste His nearness, know His care, and receive from His fullness. Together we realized and experienced God as a “very present help.”

Friend, the next time trouble comes, try fleeing to the shade of God’s grace in Psalm 46:1. I would love to hear what you discover.

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Lucinda, I continue to marvel over the way God orchestrated our meeting. Every remembrance of our time provokes deep praise for our Father and humbled awe. The only regret I have is not exchanging phone numbers. I may not be able to contact you, but I continue to cry out to God on your behalf. I have also asked our Father to make Isaiah 26:3 your present possession—perfect peace, because you trust Him. May your know Him as your very present help. Until heaven, and then for eternity, let’s keep rejoicing in God’s goodness.

The gifts of human learning and wisdom often assert themselves in Christians, instead of that entire dependence upon the Holy Spirit of which Christ spoke. 

Andrew Murray

Hungry for more? SOUL FOOD has some scrumptious new offerings for feasting.

Check out the playlist on Spotify for the SHADE OF GRACE series at ngw SHADE. Enjoy!