Tag: Psalm 91:1-2
Week 22–Day 1–Declaring God’s Names
Scripture reading for May 25: Psalm 91: 1-2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My Refuge and my Fortress, my God in Whom I trust.”
For many years, Psalm 91 has been a favorite of those in the military and those involved in the first responder network. It is held in reverence by believers who regularly face danger and enemies, seen and unseen. It is a personal declaration of faith and trust in God, naming God in these first two verses with four names that reveal Who God is to this psalmist. The first thirteen verses are faith statements and declarations of God’s overcoming grace towards those who trust in Him personally and communally. The last three verses are a prophetic declaration by God of His provision for those who humbly cling to Him in faith and trust.
Today we will consider these first two verses and the names ascribed to God by this psalmist. The psalmist encourages everyone to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. This term exalts God to the highest place of honor, above all powers and thrones, in heaven and on earth. Taking refuge in God Himself places the one needing shelter in a totally secure place. In fact, it is described as ‘abiding’ in the shadow of the Almighty. To abide is to chose to dwell in a continual relationship in close proximity to the One Who has all power and authority.
The psalmist personally confesses to the Lord that he is declaring Him as his personal refuge and fortress. A place of refuge is a hiding place where one can be secure against any attack of their enemies. A fortress signifies a walled enclosure providing safety and security. The psalmist declares it is ‘my God’ Who is this Refuge and Fortress. He places full trust in his God Alone, the Almighty and Most High God, abiding in Him in humble trust and faith.
As responders, we would do well to read and meditate on this psalm regularly. We will bless our God to declare our Him as our Refuge and Fortress on a daily basis. Abiding requires us to stay close so His shadow will cover us.
Prayer: Father God, I declare that You are the Most High God, the Almighty One. You are my Refuge and Fortress, My God in Whom I place my trust. Amen.
The “Bridegroom’s” longing!
Scripture reading for May 8th: Matthew 23, Psalm 91, Proverbs 29
Matthew 23: 37-39 “”O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see Me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.'”
As Jesus came to the conclusion of His earthly ministry, for the last time He came to Jerusalem, the city of God. As He approached the city, He lamented over the city that had been given many opportunities to receive God’s instruction and correction from prophets, judges, and kings. Now Jesus Christ, Son of God, came personally to intercede for the city. In His foreknowledge, He knew that they would reject Him too. He would have loved to gather them under His wings. Jesus used a mother hen and chicks here. But this could likely refer to the Jewish Rabbi’s prayer shawl and the act of covering the bride during the wedding ceremony. Their unwillingness would leave them a desolate woman without a husband or inheritance or eternal provision. For those with open ears and hearts, the longing of Jesus calls out to us!
Psalm 91:1-2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust.””
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this insight into Your heart of gathering a willing ‘Bride’ for Your Son from among Your own people. Thank You for sheltering those who come to Your through faith in Jesus Christ under the shadow of Your wings. Thank You for eternal life and protection and the grace of having justice done through the cross of Calvary in my life. I love You and willingly come under Your authority!
Proverbs 29:25-26 “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Many seek the face of a ruler, but it from the Lord that a man gets justice.”
God’s sufficient Grace!
Scripture reading for August 13th: Psalm 90-93, 2nd Corinthians 12
Key Scriptures: 2nd Corinthians 12:7-9 “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Paul experienced great revelations from the Lord. The amazing things revealed were forbidden to be shared with others. Paul felt that the Lord also allowed a ‘thorn’ to come into his flesh from Satan to afflict him. The purpose of this ‘thorn’ was to keep Paul from becoming conceited. Paul sought God for its removal on three separate occasions. God told him that His grace was sufficient for him to endure. God’s power is revealed through weak vessels made strong by His grace.
Psalm 91:1-2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””
Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling me to abide in Your family and household. May I always remember Your grace is sufficient for me and Your power is displayed through my weakness. Amen.