Psalm 91:14 promises, because he loves Me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My Name.

While we live our lives most of the time without interest in God’s interference, frequently enough we experience life outside our control and want God’s help. Some have denied the existence of God or His goodness because during these times He did not show up in the way they wanted or felt they needed.

Like the small child who has a tantrum when told no are those who curse God when He fails to behave according to their desire. So what does it take to move God favorably upon our behalf?

This verse gives two clues.

First, we must love God. Do we really love God or do we just want God in the moment of our crisis? God demands we love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. This love for Him is to surpass that of spouse, child or parent. Do we really love God more than these?

Love for God is demonstrated by obedience to God. Our practical means for loving God is obeying God which most often involves our fellow man by treating him as we would want to be treated.

Second, God says He rescues and protects those who acknowledge Him. This acknowledgement is both verbal and practical. How many people know we love God by our loving actions? Words are cheap if not supported by meaningful actions. Yet words are necessary for explaining why we live, think and behave in the way we do – to honor God before Whom we believe we will one day give account.

The world needs to hear about the One True God and they need to see His servants living for Him first and foremost. Too many have made their faith a private thing rather than a public proclamation in word and deed, the very thing God seeks from those who love Him.

If we love God and acknowledge Him we will have God’s presence in our lives to rescue and protect us. Sometimes His rescue will be in our particular circumstance but ultimately it will be on the Day He judges all men for reward or punishment.

The good news is that we don’t have to be perfect, we cant, we just have to be faithful to show up every day acknowledging God and loving Him as much as we can, every way we can, as often as we can to all that we can for His honor and glory on earth as it is in heaven.

When this is our posture God’s presence is His promise and that is all the help we will ever need.