Living in the Shelter of the Most High

This past week it has become increasingly clear that whether we like it or not, we are all caught up in a battle that is bigger than any one of us. The scramble of media, the wavering of the marketplace, the warning by the powers-that-be and the rush of individuals in neighborhoods everywhere who are trying to make sense of it all, is daunting. Like the colorful little fish Nemo in the classic Disney children’s movie, the current of events is carrying us away from our comfort zone and sweeping us into the unknown world of new challenges, new fears, new questions, and new opportunities. We may feel a little lost, or out of place, as the rumble of a shifting status-quo threatens to force us off our feet. But there is an adventure in the mix. Like Nemo, we can trust that the situation will be redeemed. We will find our roots again. All will be well.

Psalm 91 stands like a Mount Everest on the terrain of scripture. What a gorgeous passage of encouragement from God! Read it out loud and pray the promises.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
 Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished. (Psalm 91:1-8)