In the early weeks of any new year, I often have thoughts of how the coming year might unfold. With twelve months stretched out ahead of us we hope for all things to be good. We send greetings to our friends to have a happy and blessed New Year. But when the unexpected comes along we must not despair. For those of us who are Christ followers the foundation of our security is found in the protection, power, and promise of God. I have recently been studying and meditating on Psalm 91. Here are my thoughts…
God’s Protection – based on His character.
In the opening verses we learn aboutGod’s protection which is based on His character (vs. 1-2)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
If we dwell in the shelter of God, we will abide in His shadow. It is not an ominous shadow, but rather one of comfort and security. The condition, though, is for us to dwell there. The word dwell means to remain; settle; inhabit; move in; unpack.
What is the purpose of a shelter? To protect. The King James translation renders shelter as secret place. Psalm 27:5 offers more insight: “For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of His tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.” God offers protection to those who come to Him.
Once we are settled in God’s tent – His tabernacle – our response is worship! Verse 2 says, “I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
God’s Power – displayed in His Care (vs. 3-13)
The benefits if we trust the Lord:
The next eleven verses show us of God’s power and benefits if we trust in the Lord.
3. For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4. He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5. You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6. nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7. A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8. You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10. no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
11. For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12. On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13. You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
Those who take refuge in the Lord are not exempt from hardships that may come but will be protected during them. Look at the closing three verses.
God’s Promise – because of His love (vs. 14-16)
14. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows my name.
15. When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
16. With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Charles Spurgeon said it this way:
Not every worshipper will be so privileged – only those who dwell there. So, there are some that abide in Christ, and His words in them. (Jn. 15;4). They live near God. They receive choicer favors than those who only come and go. He who has learned to stand in the holy of holies, near the blood-sprinkled mercy seat, to whom prayer is a matter of constant privilege and enjoyment – he dwells in the secret place. Such a man, living near to God, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
So, for this coming year, if you find that your life goes from smooth and routine to troubled and fearful remember Psalm 91. But remember to dwell in the shelter of the Almighty and not just come and go.
I discovered a great hymn in my hymnal written about 50 years ago by Michael Joncas. It is based on Psalm 91. I encourage you to search it out on YouTube and let the words minister to you.
On Eagle’s Wings
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord: “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!”
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings.
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear:
Under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield.
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.
You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you, Near you it shall not come.
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.
For to His angels He’s given a command
To guard you in all of your ways;
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.
And hold you, hold you in the palm of His hand.
Bill Erickson
Devotional Blog 