THE SHELTER OF GOD
Text:Psalm 91:1-6,14-16
Today we are going to consider one of my favorite psalms. In my Bible I have dates and notes scribbled around it, and while I don’t remember what was going on in my life at that time, I do know that the words of this psalm have helped me through many difficult days.
I’d encourage you to read this powerful psalm of security and comfort out loud.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely, he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
(Psalm 91:1-6,14-16)
Life was not easy in ancient Israel. Day and night they faced the threat of foreigners ensnaring and attacking them. They endured disease and plagues, and I imagine the people were often uncertain and afraid.
But woven throughout these verses are powerful images of protection and security. God promised to surround his people on all sides with his sovereign care. Deeply intimate and personal, it’s the image of ultimate safety and protection.
We can imagine the Israelites repeating this psalm over and over as they faced the dangers and hardships of life.
The words of this psalm offer just as much comfort and hope for us today. In our world filled with increasing violence, expanding wars, incurable cancers and devastating disease, Psalm 91 assures us that we do not need to fear these things.
Yet, all too often we do. We are anxious and afraid when the arrow strikes and the disease kills. When God seems far away and it does NOT feel like He’s protecting us or those we love.
When the darkness blinds us and we cannot see God.
The last time I felt like that, someone encouraged me to look for the little ways that God was showing his love to me. To look for evidence of His protective care. And sure enough, it was there – in the lunch invitation from friends who’d been through their own dark valleys, in an encouraging text, in a hug from someone who noticed that my soul looked weary.
Through God’s people, I experienced the shadow of the Almighty, the warmth and protection of His presence. And I could settle securely into the promises of His eternal love and salvation.
Ultimately, that is where our security lies – in His promise of eternal love and salvation.
Unlike the ancient Israelites, we have experienced God’s ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ. He is the only One who has lived Psalm 91 perfectly. He is the only One who has trusted God completely.
Yet, God did not protect Jesus from death. Instead, God brought Jesus through death into a glorious resurrection. And now all of us who belong to Him can read Psalm 91 through the
words of Romans 8:
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if
we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or
threatened with death?
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that
is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 37, 39b NLT)
Praise be to God, my fortress and my refuge. My God in whom I trust.
What dangers are filling your life with fear today? How can the words of Psalm 91 provide the assurance you need to push back against the fear?
What are some ways you have seen God’s protection in your life?