Shelter-in-Place
Psalm 91
It’s all over the news: “Shelter in place” Colorado’s Governor has issued an emergency Stay-at-home order. It means we are to stay home except for certain necessary reasons. The idea is that this will help to keep us safe from the spread of the corona virus. I am sure that all of us will do our best to comply and to help keep one another safe.
When I heard the words, “shelter-in-place” it reminded me of our true shelter. Psalm 91:1 has often been called the 9-1-1 verse because many people turn to Psalm 91 in an emergency. Listen to these encouraging words from Psalm 91:1-2,
“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!”.” Psalm 91:1-2 (NASB)
Many people are giving in to fear and anxiety during these troublesome days. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t let this be you!
Psalm 91 is full of promises to those who trust in God, those who dwell in the shelter or secret place of the Most High. A shelter is a secret place where you go to hide, where your enemies cannot find you. It is the place where you find rest and safety. And where do we find such a shelter? In God Himself, “I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:2). Read through the rest of the psalm and you will find many terms for this shelter: “shadow” (or shade), “refuge,” “fortress,” “wing,” “shield,” “buckler,” “dwelling place,” “salvation.”
The safety and security of the saint is the Lord Himself. It is His power, His love, His grace, His tender care, and His angels that protect you.
In times of uncertainty and fear, we need to hear from God through His word. We need to know that, through Christ, we can be assured of His love, peace, and protection. Jesus is the ultimate “shelter-in-place.” And we can always abide (John15) in Him.
We need the truth of Psalm 91, especially right now! I encourage you to read it and pray through it yourself.
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
