Psalm 91:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 91:1

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1  

This is a very encouraging verse, for it describes, in figurative language, the idea of sitting with the almighty.  The word translated ‘shelter’, which in the King James version is ‘secret place’ is a place where we are sheltered and protected.  Just as a bomb shelter is a place some have in their homes which few people see, but where we can take shelter in difficult time, so is the Most High a shelter for His people.

We see this is several other verses describing a hiding place for safety.  “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold ” Psalm 18:2.  Also, “You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.” Psalm 31:20. And finally, “You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.” Psalm 32:7.

When we abide in the Most High, we will be under His protection, as a chick is under the protection of a female bird’s wings.  He will shelter us from all our trials.  The psalmist tells the Lord as such when he says, “I will say to the LORD, ‘”My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” Psalm 91:2.  He says this for God delivers us from the enemies.  “For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. “Psalm 91:3-7.  He delivers us from those who attempt to trap us, and from illnesses that could cause death.  He says God will cover us with His pinions, essentially feathers, and here we can seek refuge.  The fact that He is faithful is a shield from what comes after us.  We have no need to fear anything in the night or the day.

Does this picture look familiar?  Remember Jesus just before entering Jerusalem prior to His arrest.  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!” Luke 13:34. Jesus wanted to gather the Jews under His feathers; He wanted them to be saved.  He wanted to have them dwell in the shelter of the Most High.  He wanted them to abide in the shadow of the almighty, but they would have nothing to do with Him.

This is something we, as Christians, must focus on and take comfort in.  He is here to protect us, and we should go to Him and take refuge.  He will shelter us, and we will abide in His glorious shadow.  What a wonderful promise.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Psalm 23:4

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Psalm 23:4   

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 

This verse is one of comfort.  In the previous verses David speaks of the Lord as shepherd and guide, how He brings him to places of good food and clean and easily accessible water. How He provides every need he may have, and how when he is lost, the Lord brings him back to the fold and restores him completely.  And He guides him on paths that lead to righteousness.

Our focus verse today speaks of protection from danger and the comfort this provides. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.  In studying for this devotion, something I had not seen  or thought of before came to light. It seems clear that the idea of walking through the valley of the shadow of death is a consequence, or reality of living in this life here in a depraved world.  Therefore, this is probably speaking of a ‘right path’ which if we take this into account, as theologian Derek Kidner puts it, “takes much of the sting out of any ordeal.  Not every place back then where the sheep went was wonderful.  There were paths they had to take to go from one place to another, and some of these paths probably had dangers associated with them, such as wild animals or thieves.  However, when a good shepherd that was trusted by the flock would lead them in a particular direction, they followed him for they trusted him completely.

I am sure we can all look back in time and remember difficulties we have endured.  I can remember various times where things were just not going well at all, but in the end, it turned out good.  And I attribute this to trusting God and knowing He was there with me all the time.  And just as it said, ‘I fear no evil, for you are with me’.  Just as with the shepherds who in order to bring the sheep where they needed to be, would need to travel through places of danger, there are times where we wonder why do I need to go through this?  In all these times, we need to always remember we are never alone.  Our great shepherd is us. 

Also, there is a very interesting distinction between verses one through three and four.  Note the wordings:  Verse one “The Lord is my Shepherd”. Verse two “He makes me”.  Verse three “He restores my soul, and He guides me”.  And now look at four.  “I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. “.  In verse four, he changes it from the more distant “He” to a more personal “you”.  This is done for the shepherd here is no longer ahead of the flock, to lead them but is alongside them to escort them.  During times of need and danger, it is good to have a companion with us.    

And He will protect us as our shepherd.  They had two different instruments to make this happen.  The ‘rod’ was known as a cudgel which was worn at the belt and was used as a weapon,  while the ‘staff’ was used to walk with and could be used as a weapon as well.  However, the main purpose of the staff was to round up the flock, bringing them closer to him, and in so doing they would feel more secure.  And as He gathers His people close to Him, there is a feeling of safety that comes upon us.

The main idea of verse four is that no matter where we are or what we experience, if we are truly following Jesus He will keep us safe and secure.  Even if it is in troubling times.  As Paul said to the church in Rome, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.  No matter our circumstances, God will bring about a good and safe ending if we stay close to Him, for He will always stay with us.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.