Tag: David Wilkerson

The Lord Is Present for You

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David Wilkersonby David Wilkerson

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Psalm 46:1).

What a marvelous word — it’s just overwhelming. God is telling us, “Because of my Word, you will never have to fear. You can have peace like a river and a heart filled with gladness.”

The Lord knows we all face deep needs and troubles. We all encounter turmoil, temptations, times of confusion that cause our souls to quake. God’s message for us here in Psalm 46 is meant for just such times. Of all his wonderful promises, Psalm 46 is the one word we need to obtain his peace like a river.

God has promised us, “In your time of trouble — when you face a persistent, ever-present evil — I will be your very present help.” The phrase “very present” means “always here, always available, with unlimited access.” In short, the abiding presence of the Lord is always with us. And if he is present in us, then he wants continual conversation with us. He wants us to talk with him no matter where we are: on the job, with family, with friends, even with non-believers.

Scripture says, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19). It does not matter what the devil brings against us, God’s power in his people will always be greater than Satan’s assaults.

This verse from Isaiah actually refers to the flag-bearer who rode ahead of Israel’s army. The Lord always led his people into battle behind his own mighty standard. Likewise today, God has a glorious army of heavenly hosts who ride forth under his banner, ready to execute his battle plans on our behalf.

How does God bring us help in our troubles? His help comes in the gift of his Holy Spirit, who dwells in us and works the Father’s will in our lives. Paul tells us again and again that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are the Lord’s dwelling place on earth.

You don’t have to work up some emotion in order to hear from God. The Lord says, “I abide in you; I am present for you, night and day.”

by David Wilkerson

Faith in Your Distressing Times

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David Wilkersonby David Wilkerson

Of all people, God’s saints should be shining examples of what it means to live in peace and triumph in these fearful days. He has given us an ironclad promise for life on this earth, especially when the enemy of our soul tries to walk over us. “My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, it is I’” (Isaiah 52:6).

In other words, God is saying, “When you’re in your darkest trial, I will come and speak a word to you. You’ll hear me say, ‘It is I, don’t be afraid.’”

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterated this promise on many occasions, one of the most familiar instances being when he spoke to the disciples who were out on the boat in an awful storm. As the boat was being tossed about by wind and waves, the panicked men saw Jesus walking toward them on the water. Scripture says, “When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’” (Matthew 14:26).

Jesus immediately spoke to them, eager to ease their fears: “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (14:27). The word cheer means to be happy, relieved. And here, in the disciples’ time of distress, Jesus tied the word to his identity. Remember, these men knew him personally and he expected them to act on his word by faith. He was saying, “The Father has promised that I’ll come to you in your storm, and now I’ve come. Yes, it’s me, Jesus, here with you in the midst of it all. So, cheer up!”

The Lord expects the same faith reaction from us in our distressing times. Think about it. Our Lord has never once failed his people. He urges us to look back and remember how he has delivered us time after time, in every instance. He has never allowed the enemy to destroy those who trust him.

The Lord longs for us to find our fulfillment in him and trust him completely. King David said, “All my springs are in you” (Psalm 87:7), meaning, “All my satisfaction is found in you, Lord. You alone are the wellspring of my fulfillment and you are all I need to be complete, joyful, happy and at peace.”

by David Wilkerson