Psalm 91
“Were you
not afraid last night?” Several neighbors were asking us that morning. We were living on a remote (SIM) mission
station in rural Ethiopia during the tumultuous transition of national
government: from a 40 year monarchy to military rule.
“Afraid? Afraid of what?” we inquired.
“Your house
was surrounded last night by local townspeople.”
“Oh! We were
not aware of such a threat. In fact, we
both slept soundly as did our two young boys!”
Whatever mischief, or worse, the encircling night visitors had in mind
had come to nothing. And then we
recalled having read together – as was then our daily routine – Psalm 91. Can you understand today something of what we
felt then with that realization?
Quite possibly our Lord Jesus, who
was well acquainted with the Scriptures, recalled this text, when he was
surrounded – in his case by those who despised, rejected, unjustly condemned,
and finally executed him. Earlier Jesus’
arch enemy himself, Satan, had quoted from this psalm so as to delude our Lord
into a presumptuous and wrong life application of the text’s intention. We know little of what thoughts passed Jesus’
mind in those agonizing hours leading to his crucifixion. He said little that has been recorded. It is not unlikely, however, that he too
nurtured the promise of the Father:
“I
will be with him in trouble.
I
will deliver him and honor him.
With
long life will I satisfy him
And show him my
salvation.” (vv. 15-16)
Psalm 91 is
available for the nurture of our faith’s formation too. As you read thoughtfully identify our
responsibilities as the psalmist describes, e.g. dwell, say, call and
love. Add to your observations the
response of the Most High such words
or phrases as cover, guard and be with.
Prayer: You, living Lord God, are rest and refuge to
all who truly call on you. You have
proved yourself completely trustworthy to guard all who live within the sure
shadow of your presence. You are my
refuge too. You, Most High God, are my
fortress today and every day.
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