Where Is Our Refuge?

Psalm 91

Fear. Terror. Worry. Problems that are so deep and unsurmountable. Many of us have faced some of this at one time or another. This is what our psalmist today was facing.  We’re not talking about an overdue library book or even a flat tire type problem. Our psalmist is talking about major, life and death problems.  Going into battle against an overpowering foe. An enemy who is plotting and laying traps against our life. Facing a deadly disease. Problems that we have no resources on our own to handle.  Sometimes we may face such situations in our life. How do we deal with this? Where do we turn? Our psalm for today gives us an answer.

As we read through our Scripture passage today we see the psalmist mentioning several life and death circumstances (vs. 3-6).  A fowler (vs. 3) is a person who sets traps to catch birds. Sometimes we face people who wish us harm, either financially or physically, and they lay all sorts of traps to catch us, to ruin and destroy us.  The psalmist mentions deadly pestilences (vs. 3, 6). A pestilence is a deadly plague or disease. Throughout history there have been diseases and plagues that have killed multiple thousands or more in a moment. In addition to cancers and other diseases, a great plague is still in the realm of possibility today.  He continues on describing when his life is in danger from flying arrows (vs. 5). This could be either in battle, his city being overrun by the enemy, or a random attack, all of which could happen today, as well. The psalmist also mentions unnamed terrors and destructions (vs. 5-6). Destructions could be anything that destroys what we have, whether by natural disasters or enemies, and terror is anything that brings paralyzing fear.

There may be times when we face problems that are similar to these, problems that are so overwhelming they leave us cowering and trembling in fear.  They could be diseases, financial devastation, or deadly threats. Where do we turn? Our psalmist had faced some unnamed terrifying problems and knew the answer, which he shares with us today.  The answer can only be found in turning to God. He shares with us that first of all, we must “dwell in the secret place of the Most High”, and also “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (vs. 1).  The secret place is a place and time where we have close and special time with God. We must have a close, personal relationship with God in order to do that. We must also abide with Him, closely following and obeying Him.

Throughout our Psalm we read how God promises His children that He will be our shelter, our refuge, fortress, and shield.  He will guard us and rescue us. God doesn’t promise a world free from danger, but He does promise His help to those who have made a covenant with Him through Jesus’ Blood when they face danger.  He will be our shelter and refuge when we are afraid. God is even more loving than any earthly parent. He is ready to help any of is Blood-bought children.

It is important to realize who is behind all of the attacks, destruction and other terrors that come against us. Behind every enemy is Satan and his demons.  He is a supernatural enemy, coming against us with supernatural strength. To overcome this enemy, we need even greater supernatural strength. Each time we feel an overpowering attack of any type from the enemy we should go to the Cross of Jesus where Satan was defeated (Colossians 1:20; I John 3:8).  There, claim the Blood of Jesus, which was shed for you, to your own life personally (Romans 5:8-9; Revelation 12:10-11). Call upon the Name of Jesus for His help (Proverbs 18:10; Philippians 2:9-11). Finally, to defeat Satan, stand firm on the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Nothing can harm a child of God unless the Father permits it.  We can trust that He will carry us through all the dangers and fears of life.  When we entrust ourselves to God’s protection and give Him our devotion as Savior, we will be kept safe.