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It may sound old fashioned, outdated, and a bunch of gobbley gook to those who don't read the bible...but what happens when we pull some of the basic context out of the phrasing.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