God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. -Psalm 46:1
The following incident took place in 1968 on an airline bound for New York. It was a routine flight which is normally a boring affair. But this one proved to be otherwise.
Descending to the destination, the pilot realized the landing gear refused to engage. He worked the controls back and forth, trying again and again to make the gear lock down into place. No success. He then asked the control tower for instructions as he circled the landing field. Responding to the crisis, airport personnel sprayed the runway with foam as fire trucks and other emergency vehicles moved into position. Disaster was only minutes away.
The passengers, meanwhile, were told of each maneuver in that calm, monotone voice pilots manage to use at times like this. Flight attendants walked about the cabin with an air of cool reserve. Passengers were told to place their heads between their knees and grab their ankles just before impact. For those on board, I am sure it was one of those, “I can’t believe this is happening." There were tears and I am sure, a few screams of despair. The landing was now seconds away.
Suddenly the pilot announced over the intercom:
We are beginning our final descent. At this moment, in accordance with International Aviation Codes established at Geneva, it is my obligation to inform you that if you believe in God you should commence prayer.
Fortunately the belly landing occurred without a hitch. No one was injured beyond the extensive damage to the plane. It was interesting that one of the relatives of a passenger called the airline and inquired about the secret "Aviation Code" that calls people to pray. No one was willing to give an response. All that was given was a cool "No comment."
God has called us to pray at all times, but in Psalm 46, we have the promise that God will be with each of us in times of deep trouble. In fact, I find the wording, "A very PRESENT help in time of trouble," to be very significant. The words "very present help" in some other translations are rendered "an ever-present help." Clearly, the idea is that God is an immediate source of help in times of crisis. Though we may wonder where He is in the midst of our own crisis, He is no doubt there with us, working out HIS plan for us in the middle of what might appear as an insurmountable situation.
Today, rest in that truth. Allow its comfort and promise to put you at rest. Exercise your faith in believing that He is near...not far off.
Peter summed it up well when he said, "Cast all your anxiety upon Him for He cares for you." The literal idea of the text is -we can deposit every ounce of our anxiety on Him because, it is a care for Him concerning you.
So are you each day depositing every ounce of your anxiety at the foot of Jesus? Why would we not, when we have such great promises from God? So let me encourage you. Before you crash, place you head...and heart into His ever-PRESENT comfort and strength.