The God of Jacob

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46:11 ESV

Notice here that God is called here, the God of Jacob. Not God of Abraham – the father of our faith.. He is not the God of Issac, the laughter and joy of God’s promise fulfilled. He is not even called the God of Israel – Jacob’s later God given name meaning prince and overcomer. He is our God of Jacob – the struggler and striver. He is with us as He was with Jacob as He was still locked in combat and wrestling through life with both his brother Esau and The angel of the Lord. At exactly that time when we are also gripped by an opponent who knows our point of weakness, God is with us. He never leaves, He strives along right by our side and comforts us in our dismal moments of what seems certain defeat. Right then and right now He is our God of Jacob – our fortress, our refuge, our mighty delivered and our closest friend!

Seeing the Specialist

Because of various aches and pains I’ve had to see a lot of specialists over this last year. There was a longer and a premium price to see them but I was happy to pay because they understood my problem. I willingly waited because they knew the best course of action to help me. Why is it then that when I find myself in spiritual difficulties I ignore the symptoms or seek advice from the barber, the neighbors or even the internet?!

Sometimes King David had the same weaknesses as I. He depended on unreliable friends, forgot to pray and tried to pretend everything was fine even after he sinned. I love the conclusion He discovered in Psalm 59. He found by experience that there was no one better to help with his problems than God.

Are you facing trouble today? God is a specialist is trouble but unlike medical specialists you won’t need an appointment to see Him. Like an emergency room, Heaven’s office is always open. The fee to see the Good Physician is very high but the good news is that it has already been paid. The doctor is in. He is ready to see you. You are the next person in line!

But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble. Psalms 59:16