A Refuge In Times Of Trouble

Psalm 91

This world in which we live in can often feel like a scary place, where troubles of all sorts abound.  Turn the evening news on TV, or go to any news website and what do we hear? The threat of war, or actual conflicts between nations or groups of people.  Wildfires, flooding, various types of dangerous storms all across the globe. Shootings and killings in the streets of big cities. Terrorist attacks. All of these, plus our own worries that we carry with financial and various health issues we deal with.  Sometimes we may wish that we could run to a safe place where the problems and fears cannot reach us. The author of our psalm today had similar fears that he faced, just like we do - war, enemies, illness. He wanted to run, too. Where did he run to? Let’s take a look at our psalm and see.

When we are outside walking, and a heavy thunderstorm comes, we will try to find a place of shelter to get in from the pouring rain.  How about when the storms of life happen? We need to take shelter then, too, but where? What can protect us then? Many of the things people try, such as drugs, alcohol, illicit relationships, all prove to be worthless, and only bring more trouble.  Our psalmist sought shelter and refuge in the Lord God (vs. 1-2). To him, Yahweh was a refuge, a place he could run to when any of life’s storms started to rage. He also called God his fortress. In times past, when cities had walls around them, they would have a fortress, where the townsfolk could run to when an enemy attacked the city.  The walls were thick, and they could be safe from attack. Yahweh is our fortress. With Him as our Savior, we are safe from the attack of any enemy, especially the enemy of our souls, Satan.

Our psalmist sought a “secret place” with God (vs. 1).   That is a place of close, intimate communion and fellowship with Him.  The way we dwell in the secret place is through continuous thanksgiving, praise, and worship.  This will lead us into constant communion with Him. When we are in the presence of the Lord, we have nothing to fear.  The power of the Presence of God will take away all despair and doubt as we fellowship with Him.

As our Scripture passage continues, we read of some of the things that the psalmist was afraid of.  He feared being trapped by his enemies, just like a bird is trapped (vs. 3). He feared being hit by an arrow or enemy weapons (vs. 5), and also deadly diseases (vs. 6).  These are fears that we have today, as well. Enemies of ours can plot against us, laying a trap or snare to catch us. Today the worry would be more one of bullets that fly (vs. 5), rather than arrows.  Whether it is in a time of war, or from criminals or street gangs, that is a fear many have. Deadly diseases strike today, just as swiftly as they did centuries ago (vs. 6). These problems and attacks come at all times of the day and night (vs. 5-6).

What did our psalmist do with these fears?  Did he let them drive him into a frenzy of panic?  No! Instead, he took refuge in Yahweh. He imagined himself seeking refuge in God like a chick seeking shelter under the mother bird’s wings.  God is like a shield around us, protecting us from attacks (vs. 4). His protection is round-the-clock, day or night makes no difference to Him.

As we read this psalm, we see the promise of God’s protection from harm, danger, and pestilence.  Yet we see believers who fall ill from deadly diseases, we hear of believers who die in accidents, who get murdered.  What happened? Why weren’t they protected? For the believer, nothing can happen without God’s direction. Nothing can harm a child of God unless the Lord permits it.  We might not understand now why something unfortunate happens to some people, but we can rest assured that He works all things for good in the life of His children (Romans 8:28).

When we are in trouble, God is ready and waiting to help us (vs. 15).  We don’t have to try and convince Him to come to our aid. He is a Father who loves His children.  When we are anxious and worried, remember in Whom we dwell - the Lord God Almighty. His Word is true and sure.  We can find refuge and comfort under His wings. Let’s trade in our fears, no matter how intense they may be, for faith in God.