Doug Van Pelt

Is He Talking About Me?

In Psalm 91 we are told that

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Then there are descriptions of many calamities and dangers that God will save us from (the fowler's snare, deadly disease, the "terror of night," weapons, the plague, lions, cobras, and falling against stones). He talks about angels, which are under the Lord's command.

"'Because he loves Me,' says the Lord,
'I will rescue him;
I will protect him,
for he acknowledges My Name.
He will call upon Me,
and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him
and show him My salvation.'"

God is saying this of a man. Could God say it of you or I? I think very much so. I can imagine, though, someone having doubts. It's almost as if they think, 'God doesn't care for me that much. Sure, He loves me as part of the myriad of mankind, but I myself am not anything special to Him.' That may sound silly, but that is the fruit and attitude of doubt. We begin to think that God doesn't care. We look at any prayer that didn't result in the answer we wanted as "proof" that God doesn't care about us.

One of the great joys of this life (and I believe that we were saved for far more than just being rescued from damnation) is knowing God and enjoying Him. With that usually comes a sense that God enjoys us. If we talk to God often enough, and take the time to listen as well, I believe we'll get the idea that He does care about us -- individually, you for who you really are. There is nothing like the confidence and "self esteem" that comes from that kind of assurance.

One of the cool fruits of that is an outgrowth and outward focus that propels us to treat each and every person out there (especially the underdog, downtrodden, and downcast) with the kind of dignity and special care and attention that their value would demand. When we feel loved by our Creator, it's easier to love others (and only right to do so).

Posted by Doug Van Pelt at May 16, 2005 08:00 AM