refuge

Opening Prayer: He who 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. (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV)

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

Journal: What is causing you fear or distress these days?  What would it look like, in the midst of it, to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty?  Will you?

Reflection: Psalm 91 has long been a staple in communities of prayer.  It is a Psalm that is typically recited nightly as a part of Compline (evening prayers).  It is particularly suited as an evening psalm, offering those who pray these ancient words the comfort and assurance and rest necessary to see them peacefully through the night.  

     This side of heaven, life will always be filled, to some degree, with danger and uncertainty.  It is simply unavoidable.  No matter how much we try to make it otherwise, this world is not a safe place.  Which can either lead us to live our lives in fear, or it can call us to live our lives in trust.  It all depends on what we really believe to be true about our God.  Is he really strong?  Strong enough to save us from all the forces of this dark and chaotic world that threaten to defeat and destroy and undo us?  And is he really loving?  Does he love us enough to care for our well-being?  Does he love us enough to do whatever it takes to keep us safe and secure in the midst of the turmoil?

     Psalm 91 gives a definite answer to these questions.  And the answer is an emphatic “Yes!”  God is strong enough—to be our shelter and refuge and fortress.  And God is loving enough—to cover us with the feathers of his wings and to allow us to find rest in the shadow of his embrace.  Thus, we do not have to fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.  Whatever the plague or pestilence, he is faithful to guard and protect and deliver us.  He is our shield and our rampart. 

     So let us run to him and not try to navigate this dark and broken world on our own.  Let us put our trust in him and not rely on our own abilities and resources.  For if we say we trust in him and then proceed to try and do everything on our own, we give evidence to the contrary.  Let him be your refuge today.  Let him be the One upon whom you rely.  Let him be the God to whom you go to find shelter from the storms and dangers of this life.  You will not regret it.

Prayer

Closing Prayer: He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.  His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  (Psalm 91:4, NIV)