Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say[a] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91 is often referred to as the Soldier’s Prayer. This title emerged after a story circulated about the 91stBrigade during WWI. These men engaged in some of the war’s bloodiest battles, and yet while other brigades suffered up to 90% casualty, the 91stBrigade did not suffer a single combat-related death.
It is said that this brigade memorized and prayed Psalm 91 daily. If the story is true, God’s hand of protection miraculously shielded these soldiers and kept them safe, not because of any mysticism in coinciding numbers or empty recitation but because God is God. There is power in His Word and we can put our trust in the Mighty Refuge and Fortress.
As we praise God for many miraculous accounts of safety and protection throughout time, it is also hard to think about those who endure suffering and death in spite of prayer. That is a hard place for our heart to ponder. In a world full of abuse, illness, war, or injustice…will God protect us too?
Prayer matters and God’s Word is a powerful tool that shatters darkness and defeats the enemy. God’s Word changes lives and hearts. God redeems us and delivers us. Yes, God is our refuge and our fortress. There is safety and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. We can confidently cry out to the One who saves and know that the Lord will rescue us (Psalm 91:14-16).
No terror of day or night can rip us from the arms of our Mighty God (Psalm 91:5-8). Outwardly we might see or feel destruction, but inwardly we are safe and sound. We can live our days tucked away in the fortress of the Almighty and held in the arms of the Most High. What hope that brings our ailing bodies and peace over fears and what-ifs!
As Jesus hung on the cross and endured agonizing ridicule and abuse, he was still safe in the Father’s arms. No mere man could take Christ’s security or usurp God’s will. Jesus also modeled submission to the Father’s will. Our Savior willingly gave his body that day to be our sin offering and through his death and resurrection made a way for us to be in the very presence of God. Dwell there.
God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). We won’t always understand why certain things happen, but we are promised God’s peace which surpasses all understanding as we meet him in prayer in all circumstances (Philippians 4:6-7). He will satisfy us beyond the whys and show us His salvation (Psalm 91:16).
Today will you trust in God’s faithfulness as your shield? Will you store God’s Word in your heart and pray in all circumstances? Mightily pray for God’s protection and rest in His answers. Entrust your life and those for whom you pray to the Mighty One. Trust in God’s protection today.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I rest in the protection of your presence today. In all circumstances, lead me to the refuge of your wings. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:
Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.