Devotion – An ever-present help

God is … an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Please pause and let that promise wash over you. Soak in it: our God is an ever-present help in trouble. What a relief! Because now is certainly a ‘time of trouble’ around the world. We are being reminded that we are not in control of what is happening.

The Psalms speak frequently of times of trouble. Times of trouble come to everyone, personally, but also corporately, like now. Read through the Psalms and see the writers pour out fears, struggles, anguish before the LORD. Yet also take note of how the writers come back to remind themselves that God is still in control, everything is still in his hands. Therefore, rest in trusting him.

For example, see Psalm 33: ‘… The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the people. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations; (verses 10, 11). Yes, even in this ‘season’ of upheaval, God is at work! Through Jesus we know that God’s heart is towards us! Jesus is God’s heart to us! Now, in our enforced time of ‘pause’, there is a fresh opportunity to take him at his word, to let it redirect our focus to his heart for us, and for others around us, including those who don’t know Jesus yet.

Lord God, change our hearts. Thank you that you are an ever-present help. We are grateful. Amen.

Prayer Points

We pray that our faith grows stronger during this time of uncertainty and suffering

We pray that all of our community members who are suffering from sickness will be restored to full health

We pray that our remote learning program continues to provide spiritually, physically, mentally and intellectually for all our students

We pray for the success of people who are working on a vaccine for COVID-19

We pray for the Kwok, Huynh and Huynh families

St Matthew’s Lutheran Church

During the COVID-19 pandemic our supporting church is conducting worship online. If you would like to join their worship services please contact

the office on 9312 1253