"When You Pass Through The Waters, I Will Be With You."

An ever-present help in times of trouble!

(Thomas Brooks, "A Word in Season to Suffering Saints")

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 
I have summoned you by name; you are 
Mine! When you pass through the waters, 
I will be with you; and when you pass 
through the rivers, they will not sweep 
over you. When you walk through the fire, 
you will not be burned; the flames will not 
set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your GOD, 
the Holy ONE of Israel, your SAVIOR!" Isaiah 43:1-3

This divine presence is the greatest 
good in the world. The people of the LORD 
should be very thankful for HIS presence 
with them in their greatest troubles 
and deepest distresses. O Sirs! 
this divine presence is . . .
  a great mercy,
  a special mercy,
  a distinguishing mercy,
  a big-bellied mercy--
which has many mercies in its womb!

It is a mercy-greatening mercy; 
it greatens all the mercies we enjoy.

It is a mercy-sweetening mercy; 
it sweetens health, strength, riches, 
honors, trade, relations, etc.

This divine presence is a soul-mercy,
 a mercy . . .
  which reaches the soul,
  which cheers the soul,
  which lifts up the soul,
  which quiets the soul,
  which satisfies the soul, and
  which will go to Heaven with the soul.

Will you not be thankful for such a mercy?

Will you be thankful for temporal mercies--
and will you not be thankful for spiritual mercies? 
To enjoy the presence of GOD when we most 
need it, is a mercy which deserves perpetual 
praises. It is the greatest mercy in this 
world, to enjoy the gracious presence 
of GOD in our great troubles and 
desperate dangers. 

Therefore be much in blessing 
GOD, and in admiring GOD--
for HIS presence with you 
in a dark and trying day.

"I will be with you; I will never 
leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5

"The LORD Almighty is with us; 
the GOD of Jacob is our fortress!" 
Psalm 46:7

"GOD is our refuge and strength, an 
ever-present help in times 
of trouble."   Psalm 46:1