Psalm 91
Psalm 91, contrary to what some might believe, is not a psalm about still waters. In this psalm there is direct mention of many of the perils which the believers constantly face. It alludes to snares, pestilences, terror, destruction, evil plagues, lions, serpents, adders, death, and all kinds of trouble. This is a psalm about storms, stress, and trials. Sure, there are times when we are led beside still waters, but it is also a known fact that the Christian pathway very often becomes tempestuous and unpredictable. Sometimes the waters are choppy, impetuous, overwhelming, and storm driven.
This psalm, however, is the psalm of the storm. This is the veritable psalm of the night. What a beautiful psalm to help carry us through the night, when things are dark, contrary, and uncertain. An interesting interpretation of verse one of Psalm 91 is – “He that dwells in the secret place of El Elyon shall pass the night under the brooding wings of Jehovah.” May the saints always keep in mind that one of the main themes of this beautiful psalm is protection in the secret place from all perils. The truth is the perils are indeed many, but his protection is far greater than any peril we may encounter.
Those who study the earth’s atmospheric phenomena inform us that at the center of the cyclone is a point of rest and calm, and that is the story of this psalm. It references arrows by day (v.5), terrors by night (v.5), pestilences walking in darkness (v.6), destruction wasting at noonday (v.6), demonic forces raging (v.10), snares (v.3), the huntsman hunting after our soul (v.3), raging lions (v.13), dread and darkness (v.3), trouble (v.15) but they who dwell in the secret place, under the wings of the Almighty – are safe! The secret place is at the heart of the darkness, the place where the thunder is made but amidst all the thunder and lightning of the overcast skies, we are supremely assured of divine rest and calmness. Thank God for the secret place!
How comforting to know that he keeps us safe and secure under His overarching wings (v.4). The psalm contends, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shall tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and dragon shall thou trample under feet” (vv.11-13). It remains our birthright, that we are divinely kept, borne up, and carried despite all the painful complexities that rage around us. We can have peace amid the storm. The songwriter captures this for us when he penned: “A shade by day, defense by night, A shelter in the time of storm; No fears alarm, no foes affright, A shelter in the time of storm.” He continues by declaring, “The raging storms may round us beat, A shelter in the time of storm, We will never leave our safe retreat, A shelter in the time of storm.”
Today I simply wanted to remind somebody going through the stormiest trial of their lives to find God who remains the supreme center of our lives and just remain quietly there. May you know for sure, that there is a calm spot amidst all the whistling, shrieking, thundering howls of hell’s ferocious attacks! Refuse to panic and lose control. Make practical application of this psalm to your present location in life. Dwell and abide in God! Refuse to remove yourself from under his divine covering, no matter how you feel or what the people say! Rest calmly and comfortably! Abide under the divine shadow. Calm your nerves! Regain your spiritual equilibrium! This psalm is for you though tossed and driven He said, “He will be with you in trouble. He will deliver you and honor you. With long life he will satisfy you and show his salvation” (vv. 15, 16). Let this psalm of the storm comfort your tempest driven heart today.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
