In Every Trouble, God Is Greater - The Promise of Psalm 91
King David penned vibrant words within the Psalms — sentiments brimming with hope and standing out against the raw realities of his suffering. And yet, in reading the Psalms, we can find his life events challenging to relate to. Not many of us find ourselves defending large masses of people, dodging war arrows, or answering for the lives of a kingdom.
Yet we have our own arrows, wars, threats, evils, and fears to overcome, don’t we? We can glean much from David’s words in Psalm 91 where he writes of terrors by night, arrows by day, pestilence stalking in the darkness, and destruction laying waste by noon. Although our circumstances are unique, none of us are immune to the trials of life.
Terror stalks our sleep, waking us with a rush of panic. Fear keeps our eyes from closing, and nightmares rob our children of rest.
Arrows come the way of accusations, comparison, financial strains, and questions without answers.
Pestilence creeps up on friends and family, even in our own homes, as a call from the doctor delivers a diagnosis, or symptoms go without answers.
Destruction manifests itself in time wasted, resources whittled away, lives ruined by addiction, and our own hurtful habits placing strain on our lives and relationships.
It seems we face similar challenges to King David’s, after all. Yet what did he declare out of the depths of every trouble?
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!’”
No matter the tumultuous terrain of life we find ourselves in, we have access to the shelter of the Most High! Our refuge and fortress is standing at hand. What a comfort to know that our God gives charge to His angels concerning us. They hold a constitution for our days, never allowing anything outside of God’s attention to overtake us.
King David ends his Psalm with these words from God,
“’Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”
Oh, that in every fear, battle, sickness, and destruction we would find shelter in the Almighty. May we fix our gaze on the joy of His salvation, and dwell in His secret place.
“I will dwell in the secret place
Of the Most High God
I will abide under the shadow of the Almighty
Surely You will deliver me
You will make a way
With Your outstretched wings, Lord, You cover me
You will hold me close
Never let me go
I will say of the Lord You are my refuge
And my fortress
My God in You will I trust
In You will I trust”
