Secured in His arms
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:2, NKJV)
We are living in rather uncertain times, when a lot of changes are taking place often unexpectedly. The advancement of communication channels especially with the global availability of the internet and variety of social networks, has ensured that information is widely spread within minutes of events. Many have noted that we are experiencing an information-overload, where we know a lot of things and it can get overwhelming. People are more anxious than before, at times anxious of what they are hearing and other times, anxious that they are not receiving all the information out there and words/acronyms like (FOMO – fear of missing out) have been coined. Fomo is defined as a state in which one is fearful that there is fun or information that s/he is missing out on – anxiety raised on the basis of what else could be out there.
In these very unsettling times, it is critical that we find a place of refuge, a place of rest, a place of certainty that regardless of what else changes, there is an assurance of safety, security and peace. Psalm 91 has been quoted by many in the last few years and the chapter contains encouraging and heart strengthening messages applicable for our times. It is a beautiful message of hope. However, even though God has promised to protect His own, we must on our part also surrender to Him. Verse 1 starts out by giving the condition for this security; it is only for those who choose to dwell in the secret place of God most high. Dwelling refers to be grounded, always being found in a place, not wavering in faith but holding firmly in hope and the knowledge that one is secure. This is for us to do; We choose to stay constantly in the presence of the Lord, seeking His face and His strength continually (1 Chronicles 16:11), taking our pleasure in His holy name. We must take the step that is required of us so that God then steps into fulfilling His promises to us.
Many well-meaning believers do not enter into the peace and promises of God, not because they do not have faith, but because they do not obey the condition given by God for the promise. In our message of today, God asks us to draw into His presence and dwell there, make it our place of rest and strength. When we do so, God goes all the way to prove Himself capable and faithful to take charge of all that we need. I encourage you to read Psalm 91, each verse explains how God will protect and care for His own. Verses 9 – 10 make explicit reference to God’s response in relation to our choice of making Him our refuge, He in turn tells us that no evil will befall us or any plague come near us. Yes, there are wars and rumours of wars and plagues in the world, but our Father assures us that He will protect us, we will remain secure and carried in His hands of love and might. Verses 14 – 16 speak of God setting His own on high, answering them when in trouble and satisfying them with a long life. Nothing is left to chance when God intervenes, His only ask is that we choose to trust Him and dwell continually in His presence. Our God is almighty, the great and powerful one and none can take us from His hands.
Thoughts:
- Where is your security?
- How have you experienced God as a safe refuge?
- Are you seeking God’s face as your strength?