Something to Think About - Reflection on Psalm 91
If you happen to be familiar with the hymn “On Eagle’s Wings”, then you already have a solid grasp of Psalm 91 (#77 in the Chalice Hymnal). In fact, it might be hard to read Psalm 91 without starting to hum the melody to “On Eagle’s Wings.” Certainly, this inspirational song can evoke a lot of emotion in us, which is why it is a common one to hear at funerals and memorial services.
But Psalm 91 also echoes two familiar themes in the Book of Psalms. First is the theme of refuge. Three times (in v. 2, 4, and 9), Psalm 91 reminds us of the importance of seeking refuge in God. The second theme is abiding (or dwelling). Psalm 91 encourages us to “abide” in the shelter of the Most High and in the shadow of the Almighty. This reinforces one of the messages of Psalm 23 (“Surely I will dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long”) and of Psalm 27 (“One thing I asked of the Lord… to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life”).
To take refuge in. To abide in. To trust in. To dwell with. These are all about time and energy. Where do you spend your time? With whom do you spend your time? What do you spend your time doing? Toward what end do you commit your energy? Into what things do your pour and invest your resources? Do those things bring you closer to God? Do they strengthen your faith? Do they bring out the better version of yourself that God knows is there? At the end of the day, these are the questions that really matter. We have, more or less, absolute freedom to do with our time and energy what we please. And if our freedom is constrained in any way, it is probably due in large part to the choices we made with our freedom in the past. Regardless of where we are now on our life journey, God’s Word seeks to draw us closer to our Creator and our Savior in whatever future time we are given.
It won’t always be easy. There will be challenges along the way. But I particularly appreciate how Psalm 91 doesn’t deny that nights can be terrifying; or that there will be arrows that fly by day; or pestilence and destruction in our paths. Psalm 91 just says that when we dwell with God and seek refuge in God we will not have to fear them. Face these things? Yes. Fear them? Never! Simply making the decision to spend more of our time, energy, and attention with God can bring untold benefit and blessing. We just have to choose to trust in the one who provides them.
God of constant presence, may I be open to perceive the ways you are ever near me. And may I seek to find my true security and refuge in you. By your Holy Spirit, empower me with a faith that can overcome all fear. Amen.
- Blessings, Michael