A Call for Help and a Promise to Answer
There is more than one way to “call 9-1-1”
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” - Psalm 91:1
It is in reference to this verse that we take our name for The Shelter Foundation. A definition of the word ‘shelter’ states a shielded or safe condition and protection from something harmful.
In the verse, the psalmist mentions the shadow of God. A shadow, in and of itself, doesn’t provide much protection. However, it is the shadow which signifies that something greater (and in this case much greater) is near. The shadow signifies the closeness of God, our ultimate protector and security. According to Bible Reference, the term "Most High" comes for the Hebrew el'yon' and specifically implies something "upper," "above," or "highest." The implication is that God is superior to all other powers. There is no safer shelter than what the Most High provides.”
What better place to be than in the shelter of our Most High God!
We know all too well that we are not invincible. We are prone to the dangers of the world, both by our own behaviors and temptations as well as those around us. In fact, Jesus actually promises just that by saying “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
When fear and danger surround us, we know we can call on God. But our first responders also are there to pick up our calls as well. Within minutes of calling for emergency help, a team of trained experts will be on their way in a vehicle accompanied by sirens and flashing red and blue lights. We can trust that they’ll arrive and work quickly to protect us from danger, give medical care and attention, put themselves in harm’s way on our behalf or do whatever else is needed in the situation.
And we get all that simply by dialing 911.
For many young children, 911 is the first phone number they memorize, instructed to dial it in times of emergency.
So is it a divine coincidence that the numeric representation of this Bible verse has a certain ring to it? Maybe. Or maybe not. Yes, Psalm 91:1 shares the same three digits that we dial in times of trouble.
Our mission for The Shelter Foundation is to provide hope for first responder families, marriages and widows. The first responder life is a proud calling to serve our local communities. But it is a calling that doesn’t come with its own set of challenges, danger and enemies. We’ve seen first-hand the effects it can have on relationships and mental health, not to mention the physical dangers and unfortunate tragedies that sometimes come with the job.
But no matter how deep the valleys, the eternal promises of God far outweigh any trouble we will encounter…more than we could possibly ever imagine. We hope to see as many first responders as possible connected in godly, healthy, authentic communities, filled with peace and a renewed passion to serve, thriving together on both good days and bad.
So seek the shelter of our Most High God.
Dwell in it.
And you will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
The next time you think about what it means to call 911, think about our ultimate refuge who we can call at any time.
Jesus didn’t say “in me you will have perfection.” He said, “in me you may have peace.”
God will always answer our call…and what better promise is there than that?
To support our mission at The Shelter Foundation and help us reach more local first responder families, click here to donate. Thank you!
Psalm 91:1 is a defining verse for our foundation. (Photo above courtesy Highlands Ranch Lifestyle magazine and article “Shelter from the Storm: Widow of Slain Douglas County Sheriff Deputy Zackari Parrish Creates Foundation”).
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