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Very Present

I love words that have multiple meanings but the same spelling.  Take the word “present” for example.  You may be thinking of “present”, as in a gift.  Gotta love those!

But I’m thinking of “present”, as in existing now or occurring now.

I’m also thinking of “present”, as in being at hand.

Why those two latter ones, you might ask, why not just go with the gift!

Well, I recently read Psalm 46, and here is the first verse:

 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Some theologians suggest the word “present” in this Psalm has the meaning of “well proven”.  I certainly can appreciate that.

But I’ve been wondering if “present” could include the meaning of “now existing or now occurring”.  That is, God is exists now and is occurring in our lives.

Furthermore, I’ve been wondering if “present” could also include “being at hand”.  That is, God is here, right now, with us.

 And with even further wondering, the word “very” seems to add much to this concept of present.  “Very” means in a high degree.  Synonyms include:  extremely, exceedingly, exceptionally, especially, tremendously, immensely, vastly, hugely, extraordinarily, extra, excessively, overly, over, abundantly, inordinately, significantly, outstandingly, unusually, particularly, really, truly, thoroughly…

So God is “very”, as in all the above adjectives that modify or describe the fact that He is present, as in right now, right here with us and He is well proven.

Lots of things to wonder about and much to be grateful for, especially when He is present in our times of trouble!

  

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