Shelter: A Practical Look at Psalm 91

In my usual Bible reading cycle, I was in Psalm 91 recently. This has long been high on my list of well-loved Psalms, particularly verses 1, 2, and 4; even my favorite coffee cup, a treasured gift from a friend that sees use multiple times a day, features verse 2 on the side. But my attention was caught in particular by verses 3, 5, and 6 this time: “For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence…….You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”

Surprised? Pestilence seems to be on everyone’s mind these days. Latest counts, countermeasures, rants about both, and highly publicized emotions about all of these are all over the internet, the news, and practically every conversation. I know there’s a significant amount of uncertainty, of fear, of caution, and of danger. I don’t want to discount those things. But I do want to keep things in perspective. So together, let’s work through how to practically take our thoughts captive to obey Christ, using Psalm 91 as our guide.

First, let’s recognize where true safety, peace, and shelter are to be found: in the shadow of the Almighty. A mighty rock that casts a deep shadow from the scorching heat of the sun. A walled fortress, safe from attack and secure from siege. This is where we belong, and it can be ours if we dwell in the shelter of the Most High. 

Second, let’s face the facts: there is real and significant danger out there. Snares for birds, set by hunters. Deadly pestilence. Terrors in the night, arrows by day, more pestilence that creeps in unknown and unseen, and destruction wreaking havoc in broad daylight. These things exist, and we can acknowledge that yes, we’re frail humans subject to physical illness and bodily weakness. 

Thirdly, let’s find the truth: The Lord delivers His own. True, sometimes that deliverance comes in the form of death. We shouldn’t try to live in denial about that. But the greater reality is that He gives eternal life, and no one can snatch those that are His out of His hand (John 10:28). Pestilence and disease and terror and destruction can’t touch the soul that finds cover under the Most High, the Almighty. There is literally none mightier than He, literally none higher. What security, what refuge, what rest is truly found therein. Shelter in place, absolutely. Let’s make sure we’re sheltering in the right place though.

For further reflection: Under His Wings, William Cushing/Ira Sankey