Psalm 91, Shelter of God

Last week in a bible study, we studied Psalm 91. The leader pointed out that Psalm 91:1 is like the original 9-1-1:

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

The place where we can run to for help and comfort in times of trouble, the shelter of God.

Verses 2-4: I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

    my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you

    from the fowler’s snare

    and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Being sheltered under God’s wings is such a picture of comfort to me.

Verses 5-7: 

You will not fear the terror of night,

    nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

    nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

    ten thousand at your right hand,

    but it will not come near you.

We discussed in our group that some of these specific promises may not be for all Christians. We all know that many tragedies do fall on believers.

But I wonder if, in a way, maybe we can claim these promises. Even if we are among those who fall, through whatever problem, if we have chosen to find our shelter with God, he is there in the midst of the trouble with us, holding us in his arms, covering us with his wings. Any of us can claim that promise.

Verses 14-15:

 “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.