Taking Another Look

When you're going through a hard time, scriptures that promise safety, health, protection and all other benefits can seem "unreal'. When trouble draws near, how do you know if you should be examining yourself to see if you have done something wrong, accepting that bad things happen to everyone, or claiming divine absolution from trouble? These are some of the deep thoughts I ponder when life's storms touch my life.

While Psalms 91 initially sounds like a surreal existance untainted by hardship and pain, taking a closer look at the verses gives a slightly different perspective:

Those who live in the shelter of the most high (this is a place you live in, not visit occasionally)
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty (you'll be tired and searching for rest)
This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety (refuge & safety indicates trouble that you need respite from)
He is my God and I trust Him.
For He will rescue you from every trap (this indicates that there will be traps and you will need rescuing)
and protect you from deadly disease
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection (armor and protection are usually required in battle)
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night (this means nighttime may bring some fearful things we need to determine not to be afraid of)
nor the arrow that flies in the day (again, arrows are usually flying in battle)
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, or the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you (What would you be thinking if people were dying all around you?)
Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; (it may try and you will need to fight)
no plague will come near your home.
For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. (Who needs bodyguards unless they're going to be attacked?)
They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample on lions and cobras; You will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet. (To walk over something you have to get pretty close!)
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me (rescuing means that you've been captured).
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble (this means there is going to be some)
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."

So yes, Psalm 91 is a comforting passage of scripture and it offers hope of deliverance and protection but it doesn't promise perfect circumstances. There are also some conditions placed on these promises that bear remembering. God wants our love, trust and above all, to be our choice of escape from life's chaos. It is very clear that we have to choose Him as our protector and maintain that relationship.

It also sounds like He will make it all worthwhile.