Article September 21, 1974 Issue

"A very present help"

MADGE HEYWOOD

In times of stress and anxiety the human heart yearns for the comforting presence of a friend to turn to for help and consolation. But such comfort may be inadequate or unavailable. Looking for aid to a higher source than the human, one finds that God, divine Life and Love, is ever present to help and heal, forever sustaining and upholding man, His loved reflection.

He who understands and realizes the nature of God as omnipresent good finds in Him a tangible presence and power adequate to meet the human need. The Psalmist declared: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."^{Ps. 46:1;}

There is no time or place where God is not present, because He fills all space eternally. In proportion as this is recognized, one can feel and experience ministering Love, whose angels—or spiritual messages—uplift and strengthen. Mrs. Eddy writes, "Oh, may you feel this touch,—it is not the clasping of hands, nor a loved person present; it is more than this: it is a spiritual idea that lights your path!"^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 306;}