Saturday, September 5, 2009

Simple Words With Big Impact

(Lebanon, PA Townhall Meeting, August 2009. Arlen Specter US Congressman)

Recently I was feeling anxious and worried about things happening in our country, to our country, and with our country. I probably don't need to explain any further.

Here is what comforted me:

Psalm 91 (New International Version)

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."


3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.


4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,


6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.


8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-


10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.


11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;


12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.


13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.


14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.


15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

It may sound old fashioned, outdated, and a bunch of gobbley gook to those who don't read the bible...but what happens when we pull some of the basic context out of the phrasing. These words are simple, but stand the test of time:

Rest
Refuge
Fortress
Trust
Save
Cover
Faithful
Shield
No Fear
No Harm
No Disaster
Guard
Lift Up
Love
Rescue
Protect
Deliver
Honor
Satisfy
Salvation.

What an awesome promise.

Gee, I think I can handle that.

For more inspiring thoughts today visit
Charlotte and Ginger's blog for Spiritual Sunday. The list of participants is growing each week.


14 comments:

Ms.Daisy said...

A beautiul post...thank you for posting on Psalm 91 it is my favorite Psalm. I also like the way you pulled key words out...very thoughtful.


Blessings to you,
Ms.Daisy Mau

Charlotte said...

Yes, I think I can handle that also. Thank you for sharing these wonderful thoughts with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Cathy said...

I also have felt troubled about what is going on. Psalm 91 is a wonderful psalm for these days. I love it. Maybe I need to write a song about it. I did put Psalm 23 to music.

Ziggy Stardust said...

Beautiful and comforting. Thank you

Anne

Denise said...

Such a nice, comforting post.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I'm so glad that I read this today. I have to work, and I'm not real happy about it but reading your post just gave me such peace.
Thank-you,
Ginger

Lisa said...

Oh Jillian This is just great. I too feel a little lost about what is going on and sometimes feel powerless to do anything. Thank you for these comforting reminders!
Hugs, Lisa

Mary said...

I, too, am very troubled about the developments in our country, and am trying to be a voice of truth in this darkness, because I believe that is what God would have me do, not to fight for our rights, but to show peole that God's Word is true, and we are seeing it unfold before our eyes. Is this the time John spoke of? I don't know, but no matter how it turns out, whether we save our constitution or not, I know the end of the story, and I know that God has had a plan since the Fall that He would restore what He intended for us. The Psalms are a comfort and a guiding light for what we need to do to prepare...always fcusing on God and not circumstances. Thanks so much for sharing this today...so timely and still so true!

God bless!
Mary

rcubes said...

I love Psalm 91. His wonderful promises that are true and what helped me during a spiritual warfare. God is good!

Praying for the leaders in our government. May God change their hearts. Blessings to you sister.

The Blushing Hostess said...

Reassuring.

The Blushing Hostess said...

Reassuring.

Susan said...

Even though we are concerned and aware of all the problems facing our country we must remember it is HE who is in ultimate control. That is all I need to reassure me.
Susan

nannykim said...

Yes, that is beautiful and one of my favorite Psalms. His presence is what we need and He is all of those things--an amazing God.

kab said...

Thank you for sharing what the Lord has laid on your heart. His comforting presence to you through this wonderful Psalm has brought peace to all of us who are feeling anxious! He is LORD! Amen and Amen!