Psalm 91 (CEB)

1 Living in the Most High’s shelter,
    camping in the Almighty’s shade,
I say to the Lord, “You are my refuge, my stronghold!
    You are my God—the one I trust!”

God will save you from the hunter’s trap
    and from deadly sickness.
God will protect you with his pinions;
    you’ll find refuge under his wings.
    His faithfulness is a protective shield.
Don’t be afraid of terrors at night,
    arrows that fly in daylight,
    or sickness that prowls in the dark,
    destruction that ravages at noontime.
Even if one thousand people fall dead next to you,
    ten thousand right beside you—
    it won’t happen to you.
Just look with your eyes,
    and you will see the wicked punished.
Because you’ve made the Lord my refuge,
    the Most High, your place of residence—
10         no evil will happen to you;
        no disease will come close to your tent.
11 Because he will order his messengers to help you,
    to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will carry you with their own hands
    so you don’t bruise your foot on a stone.
13 You’ll march on top of lions and vipers;
    you’ll trample young lions and serpents underfoot.

14 God says, “Because you are devoted to me,
    I’ll rescue you.
    I’ll protect you because you know my name.
15 Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer.
    I’ll be with you in troubling times.
    I’ll save you and glorify you.
16     I’ll fill you full with old age.
    I’ll show you my salvation.”


Reflection

Many times the Psalms are read during Lent; through them, we find a depth of human emotion and experience ripe for exploration during these forty days and especially today. Here in Psalm 91, we find a message of hope to remind us of God’s unending dedication as our rock and our refuge. For whatever life holds, I hear the confidence of the divine presence that surrounds me. I especially love verses 14-16, because here the voice of the third person, the Psalmist, becomes God’s voice speaking directly to us. “I’ll protect you because you know my name!” is all I need to hear.

Even when the positives of life are hard to find, this Psalm speaks to God’s steadfastness.  For today, with so many brothers and sisters in Christ unable to actually greet one another and provide a comforting physical presence, let the Psalms help us find comfort in God’s unshakable presence. Whether we are on the mountaintop or feeling like we are lost in the pit, God’s steadfastness remains. 

By Barbara Carlson


For Pondering & Prayer

Now is a really good time to read the Psalms.  Let them give you freedom to explore all the layers of human emotion as you walk with God in these coming days.

Reread verses 14-16 or another favorite part of this Psalm.  Imagine God being with you, as close as you wish, saying those words directly to you. Which comforting voice, sounds, or sensations do you notice as you hear this passage?  May you be at peace today, as you hear that God’s got you!