That is an answer to a phone call that none of us ever want to hear. It is a tool that has been given to us in the case where we find ourselves in a situation where we are in trouble and need help. We are either not able to solve the problem or we do not know how to do it. We are in many ways, helpless. That is not a good feeling, because we like to think that we can handle just about anything that comes our way. What do you do and where do you go when you are forced to look what seems impossible right in the eye? Who do you call when you have an emergency?
I want to encourage you to use the “911” that the Bible gives to us. Psalm 91:1 is available to every child of God to serve as a reminder of what we already have because of Jesus. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest (or abide) in the shadow of the Almighty.” Did you catch that? Do you know what that is saying? The thing that everyone of us wants when we call “911” is the assurance that help is on the way as well as comfort to know that things are going to be ok. As Christians, we get more than that! Help is not on the way, it is already there. This verse is telling us that those who draw near to God can have peace in Him no matter how difficult their circumstances. Peace! Wouldn’t that be nice. My mom while raising seven of us kids would say that all that she wanted “was a little peace and quiet.”
I am writing this on Tuesday morning and I just heard my wife talking to one of her dearest friends on the phone. They were talking about Covid and she asked how I was doing. They talked about their children and grandchildren and all that is going on. Her friend said “I can’t stand to watch the news anymore because I have no idea what to believe.” She said “I suppose God can bring something good out of all of this but I sure don’t know how.” Does that not sound like most all of our conversations today? I am sure that most everyone reading this has wondered how all of this is going to work out. I am sure that many of us would love to give God a thought or an idea of how He might be able to handle this a little better so that people will understand. We need to make sure that * * * * * is elected because if he/she is not, we are really going to be in a lot of trouble. The thing that we need to understand is that it really does not matter who wins the election. What??? I am not saying that there are not going to be consequences of the election but you ask “are you serious?” Yes I am! I base that comment not on being a wise guy or being reckless but on Proverbs 21:1 where the Bible tells me this: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” Another version says it this way: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He will.” Do we really understand what that means? God raised up Pharaoh for His own purposes and His glory; why do we think that He cannot and will not do that again? Does that concern you? Does that bother you? Are you able to do anything about it? Call 91:1. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest (or abide) in the shadow of the Almighty.”
One of my favorite verses is found in Psalm 46. The Psalm starts with some pretty startling realities. If you were to look at the first three verses you will learn that there is trouble all around. There is a cosmic collapse and the earth is giving way. Mountains are falling into the sea, the seas are roaring and the mountains are quaking. The psalmist then says “Selah” or think about that for a minute. Someone once told me to define Selah as “put that in your pipe and smoke it.” You get the picture. He then goes on to talk about political collapse in that nations are raging and kingdoms are on the brink of ruin. Does not all of that sound familiar? How about the hurricanes, tsunami’s, fires burning out of control in California and previously in Australia, earthquakes all around the world, tornadoes, derecho winds, and a pandemic. “Selah.” Think about that for a little while. Have you asked the question: “What in the world is going on?” Have you concluded that Jesus has got to be coming back soon?
Look at the what the Psalmist says in the middle of all of the unrest that we have just read about: Ps.46:7 “The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” “Selah” He goes on to encourage us to “Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations He has brought on the earth.” (v.8) God did it! God is at work! “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire.” (v.9) In the middle of all of this, at the climax of everything, God’s voice breaks through: (v.10) “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” It is in the middle of all of this turmoil and all that is happening that God tells us to be still. How is it possible for us to be still? How can we possibly rest securely and without fear when all of this “Junk” is going on? Know that He is God! You have seen Him work in your own life. You have seen His hand all throughout the Bible. The same God who parted the Red Sea for His people is the God who we serve. He delivered Daniel from lions, He delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from an intense fiery furnace, He delivered you from eternity in hell. Why stop trusting Him now? The Psalmist continues in v.11 with a proclamation of “The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” “Selah” You think about that!
Let me suggest that if all of this chaos is taking place, and it is; If everything seems to be out of control, and it does; that there is no better place to be than Psalm 91:1 dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and resting in the shadow of the Almighty. Dwell there and you will find rest. It will change the way you pray too. Selah!!!
Thanks for praying for us. We will be praying for you too.
Jerry & Robbi