When the darkness won't let up or back down!

In times of turmoil, when war, disease, and fear loom large, and the whispers of demonic attack seem to fill the air, the words of Psalm 91 offer a powerful beacon of hope and security. This isn't just a beautiful poem; it's a profound declaration of the protection available to those who find their refuge in the Almighty. It’s the very words of God to our fearful hearts.

The psalm opens with a powerful image: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). This speaks of an intentional act, a conscious choice to make God our dwelling place, our constant habitation. It's not a casual visit, but a deep and abiding relationship.

How does this relate to staying close to Jesus? Jesus himself declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He is the very embodiment of God's presence on earth, the living shelter offered to humanity. To draw near to Jesus, to trust in his sacrifice and Lordship, is to enter that very "shelter of the Most High."

The psalm continues to paint a picture of God's unwavering protection. We are promised deliverance from the "deadly pestilence" and the "terror of the night" (Psalm 91:5-6). We are assured that though "a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, it will not come near you" (Psalm 91:7). These aren't guarantees of a trouble-free life, but rather a promise that in the midst of trials, God's hand will shield those who trust in Him.

This resonates deeply with the core of our faith. We aren't promised an escape from the battles of life, but we are promised a steadfast ally in the fight. As John Eldridge wisely stated, "Your life is not a painting, it's a story." We’re not static, stuck in a tower awaiting our rescue. Stories have conflict, challenges, and moments of intense struggle. Psalm 91 reminds us that in our story, we are not alone. God is not a distant observer. He is an active protector for those who make Him their refuge.

The psalm emphasizes the importance of our relationship with God saying "Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him, I will protect him, because he knows my name" (Psalm 91:14). This "holding fast in love" and "knowing His name" speaks to an intimate connection, a personal relationship built on trust and devotion. This is precisely the relationship we are invited into through Jesus. By knowing Jesus, by loving Him and following Him, we draw ourselves closer to the very heart of God's protective embrace.

Ultimately, Psalm 91 assures us that "no evil will conquer" those who run to God, who find their security in His presence. In times of widespread fear and uncertainty, this psalm serves as a powerful reminder that true safety and unwavering peace are found not in worldly solutions, but in the steadfast love and protection of the Almighty, a protection made accessible to us through faith in Jesus Christ.