Just last evening I was sitting in the living room with my mother. Suddenly, our dog Jack, gives a short high pitched bark. I look over. He is sitting with his eyes fastened on mine. “What’s that about, Jack?” I see nothing particularly wrong until he glances down to the floor and sniffs under the sideboard cabinet. “Have you lost something?” I speak to him as I go over and kneel down to peek under the cabinet. As I put my head to the floor, Jack puts his next to mine to have a look, too. I saw it. His cookie bone was too far back for him to reach. I put my arm under and pushed the cookie bone out. Jack quickly snatches it away, tail up, body wiggling in happiness.
I was nearly wiggling in happiness, too. He had barked, calling to me for help, believing I would come. When I got up, his black, furry face appeared full of hope. Jack knew I was going to make everything alright. I could tell there was no doubt in his mind.
In the same way, this is how our heavenly Father reacts to us. We are in some type of trouble. We call to Him. We focus our eyes on Him. Swiftly He gives us His assistance, providing what we need. Perhaps it is a tangible solution to a problem. Maybe He fills us with a good dose of inner peace. It might be His own strength and courage that is needed. You might need the sweet comfort of His presence reminding you that He loves you and cares about everything you care about. Father knows and Father will provide what you need.
Just as I was filled with warm contentment at Jack calling out to me for help, our heavenly Father loves it when we look to Him for our help, too. He loves to come to our aid, to point us in the right direction, to provide whatever it may be that He knows we need. Our Father must be filled with great joy when you and I, not only call to Him, but we also believe He will indeed sort things out for us.
Whatever may be your need today, remember this truth about your Heavenly Father found in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When you need some help, call out to Him, like Jack barked at me. He will come swiftly to your aid, and He will be just as pleased to do so, as you will be when He comes.
Keep in mind the important truth of God’s nearness. He is never far away that we must shout to get His attention. This verse reminds us of His presence at all times. He is a “present help.” The dictionary definition of “present” is: in attendance, near, at this moment. Isn’t that a tremendous comfort? Where is God when you need Him? Why, He’s right there, right now, with you, ready for you to tell Him what you need, to invite Him to be your help in any trouble. Call. He’s already there. He will assist.