From Helpless to Heaven - Part 1

I've been in and out of Psalm 91 for some time now. It has been an amazing trek. I spent time with a lot of references: word studies, scripture comparison, reliable preachers and writers. I have been astounded. I will share with you some of what I have found and then give you my conclusion of the Psalm -up to the date I revise it finally to publish. This will take a few entries I'm sure. There are a few concepts and definitions that must be in place for me to blog without too much clutter.  I decided to set these forth in a blog of their own so that if you or I want to, we can access them as we wish.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High”

Shelter defined: something that covers or affords protection- a storm shelter, a bomb shelter; an establishment providing food and shelter as to the homeless based on lack, or those displaced by disaster: earthquate, hurricane, war; an establishment that houses and feeds stray or unwanted animals; a position or the state of being covered and protected- took shelter.

I see so many applications to the reasons we go to God. I believe all are spiritual though some are physical as well. God has a shelter available for us to go to and stay through to time of need. Sadly that's as far as many of us will take it.

Definition of dwell: to remain for a time; to live as a resident; to exist, rest in a spot; to keep the attention directed on something; to speak or write incessantly about something.

Living impenetrable, resting in trust. The secret place. Hideout? Hidden, unknown; Bunker? Known but impenetrable.

pestilence (fatal epidemic disease);

shield (a broad piece of metal or other suitable material, held by straps or a handle attached on one side, used as a protection against blows or missiles) rampart (the defensive wall of a castle or city with a broad walkway and stone parapets.)

God's protection is spoken of as a rampart: impenetrable thick barrier to harm. Our protection is a tent: vulnerable, transient and temporary.

tread: to walk specifically, tread seems to be coincidental to our journey or path.

trample: to crush by walking or stomping, trample appears to be an intentional destruction.

Night and day are used effectively. It would appear that night refers mostly to times and things that are hidden or happen without knowledge. Day seems to refer to things that are seen and open but too precise or powerful to stop. Night may also refer to times when we should be resting and regaining strength and health, while day may be a reference to times of activity, alertness and accomplishment.

Having set these in place, I will write about what I took personally from this study in Psalm 91. I know that this is one of the most read, most used and most preached on Psalms. I take that into consideration when I say I will write. It's not that I think I am better, more attuned, or more spiritual than others. But if scripture is not personal, if it does not speak to personal belief and behavior, then it might as well be a closed ornament book. I will write and if you read, then you will use what you can and discard what you cannot. That's how it should be. I hope you also read the psalm for yourself.