Psalm 91:1-2, 11-16 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 91:1-2, 11-16 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Verse 2will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."
Verse 11For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Verse 12On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
Verse 13You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Verse 14Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.
Verse 15When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.
Verse 16With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.
Devotion
God is our refuge and our fortress, declares today's biblical passage. We learned yesterday that God provides for all our needs. Today we see God's protection for us from all danger and harm. This isn’t to say we are insulated from the troubles others experience, but God makes himself present with us in our times of need.
Tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) we will begin our Lenten journey where we see Jesus as he makes his way to the cross. He will suffer all kinds of difficulties along the way. But he will make this journey on our behalf.
Our life is also a treacherous journey with many tribulations and trials. The psalm writer tells us God will command his angels to guard us on our way (verse 11). With the angels surrounding us and the presence of Christ within us, we are assured that God’s purpose for us will be fulfilled.
Prayer
Guide me ever, great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but you are mighty;
Hold me with your powerful hand. Amen. (LBW #343)