'A very present help' in sickness

''God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,''n1 the Bible teaches. For centuries, people have found comfort in this promise of God's loving care and have turned to Him in times of danger and mental turmoil. Today, there are some who rely solely on God for help in sickness - and they find healing.

n1 Psalms 46:1

The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, writes: ''To ignore God as of little use in sickness is a mistake. Instead of thrusting Him aside in times of bodily trouble, and waiting for the hour of strength in which to acknowledge Him, we should learn that He can do all things for us in sickness as in health."n2.

n2 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,m p. 166

I experienced this divine help one night last winter. While driving to a Wednesday evening testimony meeting at a Christian Science church, I was suddenly overcome by symptoms of a virus. It was all I could do to walk in and find a seat. The congregation would be standing to sing the first hymn in moments, but I was feeling so sick I didn't think I could manage it. Nor did I feel I could walk back down the aisle without fainting. There was nothing to do but trust God for quick healing. Immediately, these strengthening words from the New Testament in reference to God came to thought: ''. . . him that is able to keep you from falling.''n3

n3 Jude 1:24

I didn't fall during the first hymn. As the meeting progressed I prayed fervently to realize my perfection as God's spiritual image. By the second hymn , the suffering had completely disappeared.This was inspiring proof to me of God's ''very present help in trouble.''

In the Chapter entitled ''Prayer'' in Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, ''The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God, - a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love.''n4

n4 Science and Health,m p. 1

As we base our prayer on love for God and man, and on a desire to know more of Him and His perfect creation, we're seeking divine help in the most effective way possible. Prayer in its highest sense is the discernment, through spiritual understanding, of God's perfect universe and man. Despite appearances, God's creation is ideal, expressing His nature. Disease and suffering are inherent in a misconception, or false sense, of what God has created.

Acknowledging through prayer the truth of man's unbreakable relationship to God, the one infinite Mind, brings our thought more into line with spiritual perfection. Then harmony replaces discord both mentally and outwardly.

Many people have been taught to pray for God's help in difficulties, but few rely on Him to heal disease. Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, turning constantly to God, healed pain, disease, deformity, and restored life. Jesus didn't turn to God in mere optimism, just hoping He would hear; he knew He would. The Saviour's understanding of man's unity with the creator gave him absolute assurance that He answers every call. This humble exponent of God's omnipotence demonstrated beyond doubt, for all people and for all time, the healing power of the Christ.

Christian Science, the Science of Christ, reveals through healing that man is actually spiritual, not material, not at the mercy of fear or pain. He can never, for even an instant, be deprived of his Father-Mother God's ever-present care. When such truths are brought to bear on a particular trouble through the enlightened prayer Christ Jesus taught and practiced-and even if the physical need seems pressing - the result can be a swift and sure restoration of harmony. DAILY BIBLE VERSE Bless the Lord, O my soul. . .; who healeth all thy diseases. Psalms 103:2, 3.