Nine-one-one is the national number to use in the event of an emergency. When we use it, we know someone is there who will come to our rescue. Though we have heard stories of the misuse of that number and reports of incompetent responders answering calls of people in a crisis, it is comforting to know that help is available.

Psalm ninety-one and verse one is a number for Christians to “re-call” when there is a need for assurance and reassurance. It firmly states that our God is on guard and “standing by” to guide us through the crises of life.

The word “dwells” is such an important word for us to understand. It invites the believer “to remain, stay, tarry, endure, and find peace in one’s abode.” It suggests continuance and permanence. It is a place where God’s people can “live” - forever. How comforting it is to know that our God is a “shelter” and a “refuge” in times of life’s storms. For the Christian, He is our dwelling place for life.

Shortly after a submarine had been commissioned, the commanding officer took it to sea. It was to undergo various tests to make certain that it was trustworthy and ready for service. Shortly after leaving the christening he gave the order to “submerge.” Several days later after he returned to shore, the reporters besieged him with many questions. Asked one, “How did the storms affect you?” “Storms? What storms?” he replied. “We were not aware of any storms. We were dwelling in a safe and secure place in the valleys between the ocean’s mountains.”

What comfort we have when we dwell in God.

Prayer:  Thank You, God, for the peace we have because You love us and care for us and offer us Your protection. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Many place their hope in the stock market or the price of gold or the property they own. Some look to the security of a pension or promise of a retirement account. Others hide money should the economy collapse. A few store food in containers that they have been told will last for years should a famine occur. Yet in the final analysis all of us know - deep down inside of us - that there is no promise that cannot be broken or possession that cannot be taken from us.

Psalm 71 was written by an old person. It seems as though he is reflecting on a life that has had many ups and downs, problems and pitfalls. But it is a Psalm that proclaims the faithfulness of God - past, present and future. “From my birth I have relied on You...You brought me forth from my mother’s womb...I will always have hope and praise You more and more!”

If there is any comfort we can take from God’s Word it is this: The record of His deeds in the past gives us the assurance of His grace today and throughout eternity. In this Psalm the author gives us a powerful description of the fact that there is no shadow of doubt in his mind that God’s great acts in the past are sufficient evidence for us to believe that He will be with us today and tomorrow: “I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come!”

What more can we ask for? Whatever God has done for anyone at anytime, He will do for us. He alone is faithful and worthy of worship. He alone endures forever.

Prayer: We rejoice together, Father, knowing that You have been with us and will be with us forever. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.

Life is unpredictable. Rarely does a day pass without someone or something interrupting our best laid plans. We look forward to days without worry and nights that are peaceful. Then, suddenly and without our permission, we are jolted into the realm of the unknown and the unexpected. We strive to be safe and secure but we have no assurance that tragedy will not strike without warning.

Psalm 23 is no doubt the world’s most loved psalm. The helpless image of sheep who want to stray from the flock and their need for protection by an ever present and always watchful shepherd gives us comfort and calmness. We all need and want that kind of Shepherd. It gives hope and assurance that we will never be left alone during the dark hours of life and that we will never have to face dangerous valleys or dimly lit pathways by ourselves.

In this psalm David presents a picture of God that reveals His love, His loyalty and His presence. As long as we live we can say He is “my” shepherd - not “a” shepherd or “someone else’s shepherd” but “my” very own shepherd who watches over every step we take.

And finally, when we are face to face with the certainty of death after the uncertainties of life, we know that He is - not might be - but actually is with us as we “pass through” the dark valley of death and enter into eternity where we will enjoy His presence forever!

Prayer: We are grateful to You, Lord, for giving us Your peace, presence and protection, today and every day and that You, our Creator, are also our Shepherd. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.