The only way we can hold fast to God in love is by faith. Christ came so that we can know God’s Name, call upon Him in prayer, receive His comfort in suffering, experience true satisfaction, and see His salvation.

Life is filled with twists and turns that trouble us. An evil person may intend us harm. Our home might lie in the pathway of a terrible storm. A child may have made poor decisions leading to addiction. A family member may seem set on ruining our reputation. A medical diagnosis may change the trajectory of our career or ministry. Betrayal by a spouse may upend a marriage we thought secure. Whatever the twist or turn, we need a refuge in whom we can trust. That’s why Psalm 91 is such good news. A refuge and stronghold not only exists for us, but if we turn to this Savior, we can cry with the psalmist, “my God, in whom I trust” (Ps. 91:2; italics mine).

An Affirmation of Faith

If you read Psalms 90 and 91 together you’ll notice that Psalm 91 breaks into the somber song of Psalm 90 with a note of affirmation. Though death and darkness are part of every believer’s experience, they are transformed by the life and light found in God’s presence. Psalm 91 comforts us with the promise that “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (v. 1). The psalmist affirms that his trust is in the Almighty God, “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (v. 2). In the presence of the Lord he has found satisfaction for his soul and shelter from the storms of life.

Apart from Jesus we could have never dwelt in God’s presence. But because Christ has accomplished our redemption on the cross, we can abide, not only in the shadow of the the Lord, but in Christ Himself. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you….Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). Like the psalmist, when death and darkness threaten to undo us, we can find shelter in God’s presence as we place our trust in Him, our refuge and our fortress.

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