Psalms

Psalms 91: God shelters those who trust Him

Begin in prayer

Before we hear of the Almighty's shelter, let us bring Him the fears we cannot master. Let us seek the shelter of Christ and ask God for the trust that makes Him our refuge.

They shall no more be a prey to the nations, neither shall the animals of the earth devour them; but they shall dwell securely, and no one shall make them afraid.

Ezekiel 34:28

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the Most High shelters those who trust Him and promises His presence in trouble. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The song begins with a person dwelling in the Almighty's shadow and confessing the Lord as a trusted refuge and fortress. Hidden traps, deadly disease, arrows and terrors all stand beneath the protection of His faithful wings. While the wicked meet their recompense, those making God their dwelling are guarded by His command. His angels bear them up, and dangers pictured by lions and serpents are put beneath their feet. Then God Himself promises to deliver the one who loves Him and knows His name. He will answer that person's call, be with him in trouble, honour him and satisfy him with long life and salvation.

As you read Psalms 91, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The Most High shelters those who make Him their refuge, promising His presence in trouble and His saving care.

Dwelling in the Most High's secret place pictures settled trust, with His shadow giving rest beneath a power greater than every threat. The fortress and sheltering wings join strong defence to close care, while His faithfulness gives that safety its ground. The hunter's trap and spreading disease name dangers both deliberately laid and beyond human control. Night, day, darkness and noon leave no hour outside the Lord's watchful rule. The fall of thousands and the recompense of the wicked show the difference His judgment and protection make. Angels guard His people at His command, and Matthew 4 verses 5 to 7 show Jesus refusing Satan's demand to test that promise. The lion and serpent picture dangers overcome beneath the care of the God in whom the worshipper has taken refuge. God's final speech joins deliverance to knowing and loving Him, and explicitly promises His presence in trouble. Long life and the sight of His salvation complete the care of the One who answers His servant's call.

How does Psalm 91 show us that the Most High shelters those who make Him their refuge, promising His presence in trouble and His saving care?

God's faithfulness shelters the person who makes Him a dwelling.

The Almighty's shadow gives the song its place of rest before dangers are named. His wings picture close care and His rampart a strong defence. The worshipper's safety is grounded in the faithful God whom he trusts.

God commands His servants and promises His presence in trouble.

Angels guard at God's command while lions and serpents picture dangers brought beneath His rule. His own voice then promises to hear and deliver the one who knows His name. The promise includes His presence in trouble, joining His saving care to personal communion.

Memorise

I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalm 91:2

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what fear am I taking to Jesus as my refuge today?

The Almighty's own words promise, “I will be with him in trouble.” His shelter belongs to the one who loves Him and knows His name. The song's strong protection reaches its fullest comfort in the presence and salvation He gives.

Our sins deserve God's judgment and leave us needing more than shelter from outward danger. Jesus gave His life as a ransom for His people, suffering the punishment their guilt deserved. He rose from death. His finished work forgives His people once for all and secures them against final condemnation, so the Most High is their sure refuge.

Turn from your sin and trust Jesus as your refuge. Everyone who comes to Him receives forgiveness. Bring Him the fears that follow you through the day and night. The Saviour who went through death and rose gives His trusting people a refuge that death itself cannot destroy. His faithful care will bring them into the salvation He has secured.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the Most High shelters those who trust Him and promises His presence in trouble. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His faithful shelter and His presence with those who call on Him in trouble. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.

John 10:17

Almighty God, please lead us to Jesus for pardon and lasting safety from judgment. Thank You for the salvation His finished work has secured. Teach Your people to make You their refuge and bring every fear before You. Be with those facing sickness, danger and grief, and help our home trust Your faithful care through the troubles we cannot control. Amen.