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
Psalm 91 is a psalm of confidence and trust. Its words have provided comfort to untold numbers of believers for thousands of years.
“Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful,” the psalm opens, “Then you will say to the LORD, ‘You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.’” It is a beautiful statement, one full of promise.
But we must be careful to ensure that our confidence and trust are in God alone, and not in our own ability to be faithful. The psalmist is not telling us that if we do a good job of remaining close to God, then God will reward us, for that would put us in the position of being able to manipulate God, or to work magic. What he is saying is that there are blessings that come with being in right relationship with God, like the blessing of knowing that no matter what happens in life, God is with us, and can be trusted.
Similarly, verses 3 to 13 should not be interpreted as guarantees of God’s protection against certain physical dangers. No Christian ought to read the psalm that way; Jesus’ example precludes us from doing so. In the fourth chapters of Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels, Satan tempts Christ by quoting verses 11 and 12 of this psalm. But Jesus responds emphatically, “The Scriptures also say, ‘Don’t try to test the Lord your God!’”
The final verses of the psalm present a prophetic oracle, offering blessings to the one who has come to know and love God, and awakening a sense of God’s nearness.
As we draw close to God, we find that he is a place of safety, whatever the circumstances of our lives.
Respond
God Most High, you are my fortress, my place of safety. Help me to remember always that you are near, no matter what life’s circumstances may be, so that I may not be afraid, but might honour you always, and bring glory to your name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Patricia Paddey
Patricia Paddey has worked with Canada’s mainstream media in positions at the CBC, CTV and The CNW Group. Since 1998, she has managed a thriving freelance business, creating print, broadcast and online content for Christian media and non-profit organizations. An award-winning writer, she has been published in a wide array of Canadian publications. With an undergraduate degree in Radio and Television Arts, she is pursuing an Master of Theological Studies part-time, and works as Director of Communications for Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto.