Presence and Protection

Psalm 91:1-6

At the time of this psalm’s writing, God’s servants are passing through times of sorrow and sadness. They wish the situation could be different or that a way of escape existed. Even today many people wish that life could be different, that there might be a way to escape the major calamities of the day: HIV/AIDS, unemployment, poverty, hunger, war …the list is endless.

Yet the psalmist expresses hope and trust in God. In God’s hands he feels safe, secure, and protected. God cares for him in the same way that a hen watches over her chicks. The hen’s wings protect like an umbrella. Her protection begins at their birth and continues by creating an atmosphere of strength and assurance. Under her outstretched wings, the chicks can live in freedom and with confidence.

We need to settle under the knowledge and assurance that at all times God reigns-at all times God is in control and, therefore we can completely trust God. This is what the psalmist portray; in verse 4: “and under his wings you will find refuge.” If we trust in God we can look away from daily fear and anxiety to the God who is trustworthy. The people, settings, and situations t at cause fear and anxiety may and will continue to be part of daily existence, but God’s promise of love, care, and protection far outweigh these trials. We affirm our confidence in God by our continued expression of trust, “The LORD 1s my shepherd, I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1), as we face the future with the knowledge and confidence that God is in control.