When you’re in trouble, hearing the sound of help coming can be music to your ears.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident or have been the victim of crime, the sound of emergency vehicle sirens approaching gives you a welcome sense of reassurance.

If you’re in a jam and need help from a friend or family member, it’s such a relief to hear the sound of their voice on the phone saying, “I’m on my way.”

If your city was brought to a standstill by a massive snowstorm (as mine was last week), hearing the sound of municipal snowplows entering your neighbourhood to finally clear the streets can almost bring tears to your eyes.

It’s good to know that help is on the way, isn’t it?

The Bible tells us that when we’re facing difficulties, we can count on God to be there for us and help us.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

“The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Psalm 55:22)

“The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” (Isaiah 65:24)

The Old Testament Book of 1 Kings tells us of a time when the nation was three years into the grip of a crippling drought, which had produced a famine.

But the prophet Elijah knew that change was in the air.

He told King Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!” (1 Kings 18:41)

Elijah’s servant, however, couldn’t see a cloud in the sky. Even after looking seven times, all he saw was a tiny cloud the size of a man’s hand. He certainly couldn’t hear any rain.

But soon, thick black clouds darkened the sky and a mighty rainstorm indeed descended, breaking the drought.

The point is that Elijah heard the sound of abundant rain long before there was visual evidence of clouds forming. He knew that help was already on the way, even if no one could see it yet.

In your situation, too, help is on the way.

God has promised believers that He is close to them, will always be with them, cares for them deeply, and will rescue them.

You might not see evidence of things changing yet in your situation, but prick up your ears:

There, in the distance, is the sound of help on the way.

The promises of God ring out that He will never leave you or forsake you, that He cares about you, and that He will come to your aid.

So don’t fear: God is on the way!

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:20

© 2022 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.