Healing Rays of Righteousness

Whenever I feel threatened or am counseling persons facing difficult uncertainties, I read Psalm 91 for encouragement and reassurance. While many psalms stress how to trust or the importance of trusting God, Psalm 91 explores the strength that springs from trusting God. Despite the frightful images of life’s risks listed in verses 3 through 8, a protective calm permeates the psalm. It joyfully proclaims that protection and security comes to those trustfully abiding in the shadow of the Almighty.

In the first two verses we hear God being named by four titles, the Most High, the Almighty, the Lord, my God. These titles name God as being exalted above the earth and above all other gods as the most powerful and the most intimate God, who desires to be in a love relationship with us (v.14).

In these verses the protection and security provided by God is described with these four earthly comparisons;
1. Shelter – such as a secure place of protection from storms or wild beasts.
2. Shadow – like shade from an overhead cloud or tree that protects from the midday sun.
3. Refuge – being a safe place of escape from threatening storm or enemies.
4. Fortress – being a strong, fully surrounding thick wall of defense and protection.

And so, the psalm invites us to the sanctuary and into the sheltered intimacy of trust and refuge in the Lord. This is where we will experience God being our caring Father and our sovereign, almighty provider and protector. Most of all, in this place of safety, all fear is gone and all evil is dissolved. (Verse 4) – “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Verses 9-12 assure us that over against the destructive demons, ministering angels are sent by God to protect the faithful who “make the Most High (their) dwelling.” Whenever we experience demonic activity against us, the psalmist promises that angels will guard and protect us.

We are gravely misled if we read these verses as a blanket promise that nothing “bad” will ever happen to us. However, it is true that to dwell – remain, stay, tarry, have one’s abode – “in the shelter of the Most High” means we are in God’s hands and always protected, no matter what may happen to us while journeying through life on earth.

When we place our trust in the “Most High” and “Almighty” God who is surprised by nothing, we know that there is no loss so great that God cannot ultimately rescue us from it. The psalmist assures us that whoever chooses to “dwell” in the shelter, shadow, refuge, and fortress of God, will always be protected and rescued from the fears, pestilence, and plague of life’s threatening battles and temptations.

In verses 14 – 16, the psalmist lists eight blessings the Lord will bestow upon whoever trusts God and makes “the Most High” their dwelling place. “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.”

This picture of God’s protection could hardly be more comprehensive and confident. This is most likely the reason the Christian Church and the Jewish Prayer Book recommend reading this psalm before evening prayers or retiring at night.

The psalm ends with an acknowledgement that trouble will come to those who love the Lord. The world is filled with occasions to be fearful, but trusting believers have God’s promise of presence, deliverance, satisfaction, and salvation (v.15-16). What better security and protection could you desire than this?

However, we do need to remember that the security provided in this psalm is conditional. It is the gracious blessing of a continuing relationship with God. Jesus made this promise his disciples, “If you remain (dwell) in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (Jn. 15:7).

Finally, the psalmist reminds us that we need to call upon the Lord. We should not presume that because God is omniscient (all-knowing) there is no need for us to pour out our hearts to God. “He will call on me, and I will answer him;” (v. 15). So, I encourage myself and you to call on God and tell him what is happening in your life, and how circumstances and people are affecting you. Yes, my friend, he promised to hear and respond to our cry. May it be so in your life.

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – June 12, 2019