The God Who Is There

Aim: To be wonderfully encouraged by the God who is there.
Doctrine: The God who is there does amazing things for His churchmen, which no one else could or would do, and which transform us into effective believers.
Exegesis: Three wonders we perform (by grace) because of the God who is there: even against all odds, we preach the gospel (v. 17a,b); even against strong foes, we persevere in our faith (vv. 17c, 18a); even against temptations to despair, we praise God from the heart (v. 18b).
Further application: How to thoroughly enjoy the God who is there: accept the fact that Christ's presence is sufficient (in itself), and realize that Christ's presence (itself) makes us fruitful Christians.
Key phrase: v. 17a ''But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me...''