God is personal.

In Psalm 91:1, God’s Word reminds us that the best way to overcome a difficult circumstance is to remember who our God is. In historical context, the psalmist is speaking to Israel in a time of trouble, reminding them that God is with them and will protect them. In our current moment, it is easy to get distracted when we face stress in our lives, the rising pressures of the moment, or the uncertainty and fears of tomorrow. When this happens, we can forget how big our God is. The God who made the universe is personal, and he has revealed himself to us. One of the ways God shows us his character and what he does for his people is through his different names. Proverbs 18:10 tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”

In Psalm 91, from the start, the psalmist points us to God’s names. He explicitly mentions two names: first, he refers to God as (1) “the Most High” and then as (2) “the Almighty.” A. W. Tozer said, ”What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What we believe about God is even more crucial when we walk through a hard day, week, or season. Our view of God will determine our relationship with God. And don’t miss this, looking to and relying on our relationship with God is the best way to overcome fears, concerns, and hardship. 

When we turn to God and trust that He is “the Most High,” then we can “dwell” or find “shelter,” experiencing the peace and comfort that only comes from Him. We do not just think about Him but we pray and experience what only He can give us. When we lift our eyes to our God, who is “the Almighty,” then we can finally “rest in the shadow” of His incredible power! Look above the current news, your situation, and the unknowns of the future to “the Most High.” Remember who our God is, then you will “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” and “rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”