Enfolded: A Reflection on God’s Psalm 91 PromisesSample

Yesterday we examined four metaphors in Psalm 91:1-2. Today we will look at four names of God included in these verses.

Most High: The worst sin in the Old Testament is to deify anyone (or anything) who is not God—idolatry! Though idols are nothing, the Bible does not deny that other “gods” are worshiped. However, it reserves the title of the Most High to only One. Elyon is Sovereign over all reality.

Almighty: By definition, an almighty is in a class of one. There can’t be two “almighties.” Unlike boxers who compete for the most respected belts, God’s competition belt never retires, nor is it exchangeable as newer, younger, brighter contestants “beat” Him. The might of Shaddai—the all-powerful, omnipotent One—resembles mountain-like majestic strength.

LORD: This version, all letters in caps, is YHWH. It conveys God’s disclosed self-identity (Exodus 3:14)—His eternal and causal self-existence. The covenant-making, keeping, and saving One is committed to His people in steadfast love.

God: The old line, “there’s only One God, and you ain’t He!” captures Elohim; the root word means the first and last. He is the one and only creator and ruler of heaven and earth.

The New Testament accords God’s Old Testament names—Alpha and Omega; the first and last; the One Who was, is, and is to come; the Almighty; King of kings; Lord of lords—to the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:8; 17-18; 19; 5:11-14; 19:16).

I recently met “twice-refugees.” Three families worked at the U.S. Airforce base in Kabul until they fled to Ukraine at the withdrawal of the protection of U.S. troops. Sadly, Russia invaded Ukraine. Again, with nothing but a suitcase, they traipsed into Germany.

Germany's refugee policy, not entirely altruistic, welcomes the stranger into their sanctuary. Each town has solicited volunteers who keep and feed refugees until they find footing in their new residence. The only condition: they have to learn the language to dwell in the shelter and shadow of their protectors. Have you ever thought of yourself as a vulnerable, spiritual refugee? How about moving from seeking asylum to residing in God's preserve?