My God, In Whom I Trust
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.
An Address to the Faithful
Importantly, the psalmist doesn’t ignore the brokenness of this world. Snares will come (Ps. 91:3). Night terrors will happen (v. 5). Arrows will fly by day (v. 5). Death and destruction will be observed (vv. 3, 6). But God’s people will see such trials through eyes of faith. As we meditate on God’s faithfulness He will help us overcome our fears. God will “cover [us] with his pinions, and under his wings [we] will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler” (v. 4). However, we must make “the LORD [our] dwelling place” and “the Most High [our] refuge” (v. 9) by turning to Him and trusting in Him. For those who do, He will care for us in every way, even sending out His ministering spirits to help us, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all his ways” (v. 11).
When Satan came to Jesus in the wilderness and used the psalmist’s words to tempt Him (Luke 4:9-12), Jesus replied by quoting from Deuteronomy. “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (v. 12). Today the devil still “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). We are to “resist him, firm in [our] faith” (v. 9). The Lord is worthy of our trust in every trial and will care for us in every way. Therefore, remain faithful to the one who has been faithful to you.
The Almighty’s Response to the Faithful
Deliverance comes to those who love God, and protection to those who know Him. Hear God’s promise: “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name” (Psalm 91:14). But that’s not all. The Lord graciously gives His people more promises to comfort and encourage their weary souls. “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (vv. 15-16). Think of it! We don’t cry out to a God who can’t hear. We call and He answers. Not only that, satisfaction and salvation come to the soul who trusts in Him alone.
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. In Christ we have been delivered from sin and shame, death and destruction. Therefore, God knows our name. What a privilege, then, to take the name of Jesus to every tribe, tongue and nation, proclaiming His name and His salvation.
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If you’re facing a troubling twist or turn today, be comforted by Psalm 91. Turn to the Lord and say to Him, “my God, in whom I trust” (Ps. 91:2). Find refuge under His wings. Believe He will guard you in all your ways. Rest in His protection. And cry out to Him with the expectation that He will answer, satisfy you, and show you His salvation.
