Twenty-four-hour news broadcasts leave us longing for peace, mercy, justice, hope, and love. Children lose their lives, leave families; and friends wonder why. Young adults feel a sense of insecurity in life, love, and livelihood that demands justice. Older adults feel cast away by society—by employers to whom they have been loyal and by a church consumed with preservation instead of transformation. The church is under fire for not acting like Jesus and remaining silent when it should act. Yet, the psalmist proclaims, “[The Lord] will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (niv).
While the days seem dark and the times make it difficult to find anything or anyone to trust, God promises us a refuge and fortress worthy of trust. Yet, the psalmist calls us to the responsibility of dwelling: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (niv). The promise of resting, refuge, and faithfulness comes through our choosing to dwell in the presence and shelter of the Most High God.
Psalm 91 extends an invitation to peace, protection, and promise fulfilled. Yes, life is crazy! Yes, cancer, car accidents, and careless violence cause us to question our safety and make us wonder about God’s faithfulness.
Even so, God remains faithful. God is our refuge, our fortress. God covers us, saves us, and keeps us from living in fear. Divine nature and action do not depend on our feelings about God. Rather, we realize and acknowledge promises kept when we dwell in God’s presence.