Psalm 91

Read Psalm 91

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Israel had a special relationship with God. God was to be their dwelling place and He promised to abide with them. Each follower of the Almighty could sing with joy, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

This did not mean that faithful worshipers would be immune from all danger and temptation. Yet the Lord would be aware of “the snare of the fowler” and “the deadly pestilence.” He would deliver His children from evil.

Because of the assurance that Israel had of the Lord's abiding protection, they could walk in the midst of a dangerous world with strong confidence. They did not need to shrink in fear from all of the terrors of their enemies or the very real troubles that were part of life in a world under the Lord's judgment. Even though thousands might fall, God would never withdraw His covenant love from them.

“You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.” But what if Israel abandoned her God and joined in the evil of those who served idols? What if they rejected the Lord? How would they escape God's righteous indignation?

The trials that true Israelites experienced were not ordained by God to destroy them, but to test them. The ultimate Worshiper of the Almighty faced very difficult times when He came to win our salvation. The angelic adversary that tempted Him in the wilderness even dared to quote Psalm 91:11-12 in an attempt to thwart the mission of the Messiah. Satan wanted to entice Jesus to put His Father to the test. He said, “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

The Lord did not fall for this trap. As Psalm 91:13 boldly states, “The serpent you will trample underfoot.” This is the destiny of all who have Christ in them. As our Captain has defeated the enemy, the Apostle Paul says in Romans 16:20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

Our hope is grounded in the ability of Jesus to pass His test of faith and obedience. Because the Son of God held fast to His Father in love, He was delivered from death. His resurrection has become our victory. When we call to God as our Father, He will answer us. He will satisfy us with “long life.” He will show us His salvation.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Strong Deliverer, You are our refuge and our fortress in the most horrible danger. You are so faithful, O God. Even if we die, we shall live. We will see Your great deliverance with our own eyes. We will see angels, who help us in a day of trouble. You have spoken great promises to us in Christ. What a blessing it is to live in the light of His glorious resurrection!