C.H. Spurgeon: 'We do not know what we might have been!'

 "God is our refuge and strength—a very present help in times of trouble." Psalm 46:1

We do not know what we might have been—if God's gracious protection had not been like a wall of fire around us, as it still is—for the Lord continues to deliver all who put their trust in Him.

Believe with unquestioning confidence that God is delivering you even now. You know that He has delivered you—be just as sure that He will continue to help you in every time of trouble.

"I am locked in a prison of despair!" Yes, but your Lord has a key that can open the door and let you out.

"I am in great poverty!" another says. But He knows all about it, and He is going to supply all your needs.

Yet another says, "But I am fainting!" God is near, ready to revive and encourage your fainting soul.

Perhaps a person says, "I find faith for the past and the ultimate future quite easy, but I don't have enough faith for the present." We sometimes forget that God is "a very present help in times of trouble," but it is true.

There may be many trials before you, but there is an abundance of mercy ready to meet those trials. There may be troubles that you do not know yet, as well as repetitions of those you have experienced. But the Lord will give you strength and will continue to deliver you.

As the eyes gradually fail, and the limbs grow weak, and the infirmities of old age creep over us—we are likely to be distressed, but our Lord will not forsake us.

When severe sickness invades our earthly bodies and our pains multiply and intensify—we wonder how we will endure.

As we consider our death—we wonder how we will be able to bear our last hours.

Be encouraged: He who has delivered and does deliver—will continue to deliver.
Even as the trial comes, the Lord will show you a way of escape.

He has delivered you—give Him your gratitude.
He is delivering you—give Him your confidence.
He will deliver you—begin now to praise Him for mercies that He has yet to show you, and for grace that you have not yet experienced but that He will grant you in the future.

"He has delivered us from such a deadly peril—and He will deliver us!" 2 Corinthians 1:10

Source: Spurgeon Treasures - Grace Gems