Our Help in Ages Past

God has been our help in ages past, present & future. He knows what you are going through today. You can be confident He will be with you.

“LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”—Psalm 90:1–2 NASB

England was in the middle of a crisis. The sovereign, Queen Anne, had died, and the crown was given to her distant cousin George, Elector of Hanover, Germany. But there was still widespread concern and fear.

In 1719, inspired by Psalm 90, Isaac Watts decided to write a poem to ease fears. In this poem, he sought to remind people to focus on God. He wrote, “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.”

God is the same through “endless years,” and “a thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone.” People did not have to worry: “Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.”

This poem, which became a great hymn, was distributed throughout England in a leaflet, which helped bring England through this crisis.

Today, take a few moments to reflect on all that has taken place during the past: the problems you’ve faced, decisions you’ve made, situations that seemed impossible, or challenges that appeared overwhelming. Remember that God was with you through every situation.

Now, remember that He is with you today and will be with you throughout the coming year. He is the same. His power has not diminished. He knows what you are going through. And He will be with you in the future as He has been in the past.

Reflection Question: Ask God to be with you and help you through upcoming trials.