Psalm 91

In the current age we live in, more than ever before we need to feel secure. With instability all around us, psychologists tell us that humans we all need safety, security and significance. Today let’s look at ‘safety’. The Psalmist found a ‘secret place’ where he felt safe, and we can take refuge there too. 

This Psalm is a constant source of comfort for believers as they cope with the anxieties of life. 

My Grandmother used to tell me stories of air raids in the second world war, and how as children they would hide in a cupboard underneath their stairs, and as it happens, recite from memory this particular Psalm 91. They took refuge in both senses of the world.

The Psalmist encourages us to take refuge ‘Under the shadow of the Almighty’ v.1. Shadows provide protection from the direct heat of the sun. When we’re under God’s shadow, we do not face the full blast of our difficulties. 

He is a refuge and a fortress v.2. God is the strongest protection we could ever have. 

Under His wings v.4. God is tender-hearted like a caring mother bird. When troubles come, he draws us close, and we are safe. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4)

He is a dwelling place v.9. Our Father will be our home, our abiding place now and forever. 

We don’t dip in and out of that place, we dwell there. 

Francis Ridley Havergal the hymn writer expressed it like this:

Hidden in the hollow of His bleed hand, 

Never foe can follow, never traitor stand, 

Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,

Not a blast of hurry touch the spirit there.

No one is more secure than those who are in God’s hands