Read
The Lord Is My Fortress
1Live under the protection
of God Most High
and stay in the shadow
of God All-Powerful.
2Then you will say to the Lord,
“You are my fortress,
my place of safety;
you are my God,
and I trust you.”
3The Lord will keep you safe
from secret traps
and deadly diseases.
4He will spread his wings
over you
and keep you secure.
His faithfulness is like
a shield or a city wall.
5You won't need to worry
about dangers at night
or arrows during the day.
6And you won't fear diseases
that strike in the dark
or sudden disaster at noon.
7You will not be harmed,
though thousands fall
all around you.
8And with your own eyes
you will see the punishment
of the wicked.
9The Lord Most High
is your fortress.
Run to him for safety,
10and no terrible disasters
will strike you
or your home.
11 God will command his angels
to protect you
wherever you go.
12 They will carry you
in their arms,
and you won't hurt your feet
on the stones.
13 You will overpower
the strongest lions
and the most deadly snakes.
14The Lord says, “If you love me
and truly know who I am,
I will rescue you
and keep you safe.
15When you are in trouble,
call out to me.
I will answer and be there
to protect and honor you.
16You will live a long life
and see my saving power.”
Reflect
“In God we trust” is the official motto of the United States of America. Its Spanish equivalent, En Dios Confiamos, is the official motto of the Republic of Nicaragua. It’s not just the motto of these two countries. “In God we trust” resounds with the Psalms (Psalm 9:10, 40:3, 91:2, 73:28, 118:8) and is a fitting title for Psalm 91.
President Thomas Jefferson said, “The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time” and asked “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are of God?”
In 1861, Secretary Chase, in a letter to James Pollock, Director of the Mint at Philadelphia, said, “No nation can be strong except in the strength of God … The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins.”
I wonder if Psalm 91 informed Jefferson and Chase? It probably did. They could only say what they said if they believed God is a shelter (v.1), safe place (v.2), saviour (v.3), and shield (v.4).
“In God we trust.” Can we? Our world is in the grip of Satan. We’re under siege from terrorists, at the mercy of deadly viruses, undermined by moral relativism, exploited by the super rich, battered by natural disasters, and misdirected by self-serving politicians.
Yes, there’s sickness, pain and death – but Psalm 91 is a constant court of appeal. When we make the Lord our refuge, He’s for us during times of terror (v.5-10) and with us when we struggle with temptation (v.11-16).
Believe this and bank it: If you love the Lord, He will escort you through this life (v.9-16). So trust God, and He’ll show you reciprocal love (v.14), give you a reassuring kind of liberty (v.15), and reward you with long life (v.16).
Respond
Lord, in you we trust! Thank you for being “our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Amen.
Lawson Murray
Lawson is the President of Scripture Union Canada and the Managing Editor of theStory™. Lawson takes every opportunity to enthusiastically invite people of all ages to connect with Jesus and His Story. He says, “We have been given the greatest story ever - God's Story! Should we not, with all our might and energy immerse ourselves in it? I believe we should. For without the Story we really have nothing to offer the millions who hunger and thirst for something more. But, with God’s Story we have what everyone needs!” Publications: Bible Engagement Blog; Children’s Ministry Basics Blog, Bible Engagement Basics; Bible Beginners