Helper AND Ruler

You who fear God, trust in God!

—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!

Psalm 115:11, MSG*

You’re likely more familiar with this verse in other versions of the Bible. The NIV, NLT and KJV all use the words “help/helper” and “shield”.

Usually I gravitate to descriptions of God as our refuge, fortress, shield. That may say something about fear and a need for security, who knows? But when I found this verse in The Message, the names “Helper” and “Ruler” stopped me. Prompted a question.

Do we focus too...