The Lord is My Refuge - Devotional and Prayer of Psalm 91

Scripture

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

Are you ready to speak the name of Jesus over your troubles and take refuge in Him?

The last night of Vacation Bible School unexpectedly ended with all volunteers and participants huddled in the church's storm shelter. All sixty sweaty kids and twenty adults were tucked safely into two small concrete rooms with no windows. Volunteers comforted frightened children and entertained kids who had consumed copious amounts of sugar.

We all prayed for God’s protection as we received news of a tornado just a few miles away. Gratefully, the tornado warning only lasted forty minutes, and then the children were allowed to play on the inflatable slide in the sanctuary until their parents arrived. It was the most memorable VBS finale I have ever experienced.

That night was one of countless times I have petitioned for God’s protection and sought shelter in Him, which is the safest place for cover and protection. I pray for a hedge of protection around the ones I love and myself daily. Whether I am driving in undesirable conditions, dropping my kids off at school, or sitting by a dear friend about to undergo surgery, trusting the Lord for safety and protection is the best weapon against my anxiety and fear. Like the psalmist, we can dwell in the shelter of the Almighty and place our trust in Him. The Lord shields all who take refuge in Him (Psalm 18:30).

We both know that living in a fallen world means that we are not exempt from suffering physical harm and experiencing loss even when we pray for protection. The Apostle Paul was one among many Biblical characters who demonstrated that we could know the Lord as our Protector and feel safe in Him yet still be afflicted and persecuted. In Second Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul teaches us that Christ’s power works best in our weakness. “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I admit I’m not as brave as Paul in the face of danger and uncertainty, but something powerful shifts inside me when I acknowledge the strength of Christ working within me. Many times, in seasons of trials, there is a distinct, unexplainable peace that washes over me when I speak the words of Psalm 91:2 out loud. “He is my safe place, my stronghold, my Savior, in whom I trust.” It is a beautiful battle cry.

Give it a try, dear friend. Pray a prayer of Psalm 91. Speak the name of Jesus over your troubles. Invoke the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in you to guide, protect, and provide for you. Take shelter in the Most High and know without a doubt that He is the safest place to abide.

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Questions for Reflection

1. When has God protected, guided, or rescued you in the past?

2. How does remembering those past moments of divine protection change how you view current trials?

Let's Pray a Prayer of Psalm 91

Dear God, thank You for watching over me, my family, and friends. Make me brave in the face of danger, uncertainty, and persecution. Keep a hedge of protection over the ones I love. You are my refuge, my fortress, and my God in whom I place all my trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Originally published on Crossmap.