Security in Scary Times
How can we cope?
The world is a dangerous place no doubt, but there is more to it. Fear is used by some to influence and control others. Right now the fires of fear are being stoked through all the news outlets that surround us. They don’t all agree on what exactly we should fear but it’s pretty much a given that there is a lot to be concerned about.
The reason I write for me and you is to help us both center our minds and emotions on thoughts and ideas that can restore our souls and bring us serenity whether or not what we fear comes through.
One thing is certain when it comes to living a healthy life and it is this. How we see life is more important than any and every problem we may be facing. I know this sounds crazy but walk through it with me.
If I feel isolated and alone, even little problems can seem overwhelming. On the other hand, if I feel mysteriously connected to God, even if I don’t completely believe he exists, then my problems shrink in importance. In other words, if given the choice to be isolated but without any significant problems or to have lots of problems and feel connected to God, I would choose the latter. This is because I know how, in isolation, I can create problems for myself. I don’t have to have any to begin with.
All of this brings me to a powerful psalm I would like to unpack over a few posts. It is Psalm 91. Most likely it was written by King David, but we aren’t told. Many call it the soldier’s psalm. Why will become obvious. For today I would like to look just at the first verse.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
To dwell is to spend time. Lots of time. It is time not spent listening to news or talking about concerns with other people. Of course these are necessary activities, possibly even critical, but my problem, speaking personally, is I can obsess on problems I have no ability to control. However, if I first dwell in a peaceful place in my own mind where I can talk with God, even in this moment, right now, my attitude will not automatically reflect the anxiety and worry being pushed my way. I can choose not to allow the concerns of others highjack my peace.
God is described in two ways in this beginning verse, and the first description is a stepping stone to the second. It’s as if we can’t see or appreciate the second title immediately. We need a little boost to get up there.
Description #1
If you were on a hunt to find someone described as “The Most High,” where would you look?
My guess is you would look up, but not just up. You would look up to what was the highest visible object. It might be a mountain peak, plane, or planet. What they would have in common is that to where you are they are the highest farthest objects you can physically see. In this context, and to meet our need to feel secure, it doesn’t help to see God on our level as just our buddy. To see God most accurately requires an elevation of our imagination. It requires the very best and highest thoughts we can muster.
Ah, but there is more. In spite of the fact that God appears unreachable, we are invited and encouraged to dwell in a safe shelter right by his side. We are lifted up to be with him where he is.
Description #2
Note the parallel ideas and words in this opening verse.
He who dwells . . . will abide.
Choose to spend time, and the time you spend will be strengthened until your take-it-or-leave it attitude turns into permanent choice to never leave.
Your shelter will turn into a physical closeness represented, not by a structure, but similar to the protection for a baby bird by its mother.
A The Most High will be revealed as The Almighty, the one strong to save against any foe and every fear.
And here, to me, is the completion of the thought. By choosing to dwell, spend time, with the Most High, we can come to discover that no matter our circumstances in each and every day we are currently living under the shadow of the Almighty.
We seek to find him at first and end up discovering that he is with us through it all. We are no farther from him ever than tucked under the shadow of his wing.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Thank you Ben.