Refuge and Fortress – Psalm 91

A text – Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

¹ You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
² will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”

⁹ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place,
¹⁰ no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
¹² On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

¹⁴ Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.
¹⁵ When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation.

A reflection:

Psalm 91 is filled with protective imagery. Some interpreters of the psalm say that God is described here as a mighty father, all powerful, able to protect like a stone fortress. Other interpreters of the psalm say that God is described like a mother who hides her beloved child from evil, keeps pestilence away, and is present with her child to ensure long life. No matter what sort of imagery we find in this psalm, God is a powerful parent and refuge.

Of course this psalm is also quoted by Satan in the gospel lesson this week; Satan urges Jesus to cast himself from the temple roof – “Angels will keep you from dashing even your foot against a stone,” Satan says. Jesus doesn’t satisfy Satan’s wish and make God keep God’s promise. Jesus rather says, in effect, “I know God will save me. God is my protector already. I don’t need to put God to the test.” Jesus’s relationship with God was so secure that none of the tempter’s lures drew him in.

How often do we think of God as a refuge, a protector? How often do we think of God as a loving parent, father OR mother, to whom we can go for safety, affection, comfort? During this Lenten season, let us try thinking that way once a day – perhaps in our most vulnerable moments when we ourselves might be tempted to give up hope. Find God and make the claim, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” Let’s live with this image of God and see what happens, not only to our picture of God but to our picture of the world and of ourselves.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for these images of your protection, images which Jesus used when put to the test. Help us to remember that we are your beloved children whom you do not want to come to harm. Amen.