“The Lord of host is with us…”

…even in the ‘little’ things.

Psalm 46:1-7

“1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

I’m so glad “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” and that “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the ‘little’ things.

“Yes, he is with me, he is my strength, my help, my comfort. Even when I fail him – which I do daily – he is still there to comfort me, to lift me up, to encourage me, to hold me together when I feel as if I’m falling apart.”

Most everyone knows I have had two cancer surgeries this year and “Yes, I have had my times of despair.” But, I’m thankful God does not give up on us in our times of despair.

I just wanted to give a few examples of how God has been helping me with some ‘little’ things and it has been amazing. Maybe this might encourage someone else to look at the ‘little’ things that God may be doing in one’s life to say, “I’m still there. I’m with you. I want to help you. I have not forgotten you.”

1. After my Breast Cancer surgery, I was removing the bandage and the wound looked like it could use some help. It was not infected, but it could have looked better. That very day, a box from the states had arrived. We live in New Zealand so receiving any mail since Covid has been a real blessing. The box was full of various medicines and triple antibiotic ointment for cuts, etc. This triple antibiotic ointment was a real blessing, and it came the exact day I needed it. Yes, my wound healed nicely with the ointment. I’m so glad, “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the ‘little’ things.
2. One Wednesday night, I was not doing well with my emotions. I was down. I had gone to church and prayer meeting and that was great, but later had such a bad emotional spell and it was awful. But, again, God is so good. The next morning my husband went to the mailbox and there were several cards of encouragement from friends in the states. They came just when I needed them. I’m so glad, “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the ‘little’ things.
3. I need to mention about that box of medicines above. They were used in helping Elizabeth through all she has gone through with her strep throat. The DayQuil and NightQuil and Mucinex really helped her symptoms. God knew way before I did, that she would become ill and had that box shipped and those medicines in our cabinet when we needed them most. Again, I’m so glad, “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the ‘little’ things.
4. Another amazing thing. I thought I was coming down with Elizabeth’s strep throat. On top of surgery recovery, planning for radiation, exercising my left arm that has been frozen since surgery, now I was facing a possible round of strep throat. I decided to make a concoction of simmered garlic in water. As I was drinking it – there was a knock at the door. My husband brought in a box. A person in New Zealand had sent me a package of juice bottles and tablets that were supposed to help heal the body. Wow, my God is amazing! I did finish the garlic, but the juice tasted much better. I’m so glad, “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the ‘little’ things.
5. I also had a wonderful friend give me a new wedge pillow for sleeping. Mine was well over 10 years old and needed replacing, but I had not taken time to do it. This new pillow has helped much with my sleeping. I’m so glad, “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the ‘little’ things.
6. I must also mention all the various flower arrangements, (even dried flowers which still adorn my dining room), the cards, virtual cards, and – by now – the thousands of prayers that have been lifted up to heaven for my behalf is just overwhelming. I’m also thankful for the Finch magazine that I keep receiving even though I am not breeding finches anymore and not paying annual dues. Thanks to all. Each of these have been like a hug from my Lord just when I needed it. I’m so glad, “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the ‘little’ things.

Well, I could go on and on praising the Lord for his goodness. I guess what I’m trying to get at here is to encourage us all to look for the ‘little’ things God may be trying to help us with. Look for the ‘little’ hugs he may be sending one’s way to help through the day.

We get so busy, so overwhelmed with problems in life, and our emotions really run amuck at times. Do our problems go away? Sometimes they do. Sometimes they do not. I do not believe my problems will go away anytime soon, if ever, but I am learning to see the ‘little’ things God is sending my way for comfort.

During my prayers a while ago, I wish I could just hug my Lord Jesus. I thought about the lady that just touched the hem of his garment and was healed. I wonder what she felt as she touched our Lord and Saviour’s garment?

Matthew 9:20-21 “And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: 21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.”

I know we have his comfort and his words, but I wonder what it would be like to touch the hem of his garment. I do not know if we will be able to hug the Lord or what it will all be like when we finally pass on to be with him. We will receive our glorified bodies someday and this world will pass away, and a new heaven and new earth awaits us someday.

But in the meantime, look for the Lord’s ‘little’ things he sends to comfort us in our daily troubles. Look for:

• the card someone may send,
• the lunch someone may take you on,
• the medicine box that may arrive in your mail,
• the sunny day on a long road trip,
• the spouse that is still alive and helping you through each day,
• the children (young and old) that bring a great joy,
• the freedom to attend church,
• the encouraging phone call or text someone may send,
• the Bible you can open anytime,
• a roof over your head and food in the pantry,
• etc. etc. etc.

I’m so glad, “The Lord of host is with us…” even in the little things.