DEVOTION – DAY 532

Psalm:91:1-2 “The Lord Is My Refuge”

Psalm 91:1-2 “He who 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 gives a glowing testimony about the security given to those who trust in God. It assures that those who come to worship God and make the Most High their dwelling place will find rest and security. For God is their refuge and fortress. In structure, Psalm 91 is divided into 2 sections of 8 verses each. The first section assures security to those who trust in the Lord from 4 specific threats even though many others may fall. These threats include plagues and pestilence and so on. In the second section, assurance is given against threats from wild animals – these were threats that people faced in ancient times.

We know someone who had for many years tried to save her marriage. She married a man and gave up her career to be a housewife and to be a mother of several children. Then, disagreements began between her husband and her over parenting of their children. Her husband became critical of what she did and marital harmony was replaced with marital arguments. She tried hard to accommodate her husband’s wishes but there were certain things she felt strongly that she would not compromise for the sake of the good Christian upbringing of their children. She had been suffering in silence and she could only turn to the Lord as her refuge and fortress. At the same time, being a housewife, she was totally dependent on her husband for her personal expenses. She felt trapped in a relationship that was lacking in love. But she knew she had God’s love in her heart and that was what sustained her.

After many years of trying her best to be a good housewife and mother and feeling like a failure, her relationship with her husband worsened. The more she gave in to his demands, the more demands he made of her. The less loving he became. She felt taken for granted and in the end, agreed to end her marriage. She thanked God because she miraculously had job offers which was unexpected. She had to be financially independent. God opened doors of opportunity for her. She is learning to start living for herself. She is also telling her children that no matter what happened between her and her husband, she would always be there for her children. She is emerging stronger because the Lord is her refuge and strength. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we worship and adore you, for you are our refuge, fortress and strength. Thank you for granting us safety, protection and shelter from our troubles. Thank you for helping us go through the storms in our lives. We humbly pray in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What threats and challenges are you facing currently that you need the Lord to help you face?
  2. How has the Lord been your fortress and refuge in the past?
  3. How does knowing that the lord is the Most High and Almighty help you in your outlook when you face life’s many challenges?
  4. How has the Lord given you peace as you faced your storms?