A friend pointed out an unusual set of facts to me yesterday. The most devastating tragedy in American history occurred on September 11, or 9/11. The series of events culminated at 9:11 A.M. And so a spiritual "911" is our need: Psalm 91:1. Here is what it says: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Let's explore this promise and claim it for our shattered nation and wounded souls.

To "dwell" in shelter is to live there, to abide in that place. A "shelter" is a place of defense of refuge, of safety. The "Most High" is the Lord God. So when we "dwell in the shelter of the Most High," we make God our safety. We admit that we have no other shelter except in him. We surrender every other kind of refuge we might trust, whether our confidence had been in military power, economic strength, or nationalistic faith. We choose consciously and intentionally to trust in the help and shelter God alone can provide. And we continue to trust in his help alone.

When we make this faith decision, we "will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." We cannot stand in a shadow without being close to that which causes it. To be in the "shadow" of God is to be very close to the Almighty himself. We can "rest" there, in peace and security. We can have peace even in tragedy, hope even in sorrow. We can find rest in God's presence, and only there.

So let's choose to trust in God to help and harbor us, to shield and shelter us in our pain and grief. Let's ask him to give us the comfort we can find nowhere else. Let's rest in his presence, and find his peace.

A wonderful way to experience the presence and help of God is with fellow believers. And so I invite you to join a remarkable gathering of Christians this evening in our Sanctuary at 6:30. Some 17 churches from 11 denominations have planned a community service of prayer and worship. I invite you to take part in this powerful service of unity and healing. If you do not live in Dallas, pray with us at 6:30 CST, and you will join us in the throne room of God.

Any of us can use God's "911" today. Will you?

James ministers as the Pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Copyright © 2001. James C. Denison. All rights reserved.

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