God’s Tender Intimacy
Psalm 91
Through the ages, artists
have expressed themselves through music, poetry and art primarily. Obviously
artistry has a variety of forms but these three expressions are vividly
portrayed specifically in the book of Psalms.
The music in the Psalms is
based on the fact that we know these poems were written often with musical
scores that were made for musical instruments of the day. The “art” element for
me comes in the form of word pictures that the authors painted as they penned
their verses. Some clear examples are found in Psalm 23 when the Lord is
referred to as a shepherd or the low point of facing death compared to a
valley.
Authorship of Psalm 91 is
not conclusively established. But, Bible scholars do seem to agree that either
Moses or David penned this one in their later lives. Both of these men learned
to trust God and walk with Him through the most hair-raising scenarios. The
life of either of them could be turned into an action-packed, suspense-filled
TV mini-series. And, it would all be true. Over the years Psalm 91 has been
fondly referred to as the foxhole Psalm, and for good reason. Through countless
wars soldiers have turned to Psalm 91 for encouragement and comfort. Soldiers
have recited it, prayed it, confessed it. Even family
members of those soldiers were doing the same thing.
The writing of Psalm 91 is
profoundly deep in its understanding and trust of God, things like “deadly
pestilence” or the “terror of night” or the fear of being killed in a battle
were things the writer would have faced throughout his life. For us today the
threat of pestilence is not that much of a concern for us. We may be afraid of
the unknown in the darkness but the flip of a switch can bring light instantly
and the likelihood of us being involved in war is minimal.
The picture painted by the
author is something we can relate to. In verses 1 & 2 it states, “He who
dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the
Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and My
fortress, my God in whom I trust.” As we believe and trust in the Lord, the
principle of protection and care from God above is the same for the writer as
it is for you and me today. Have you ever been in a moment when you are
grateful that you can dwell in the sheltering presence of God or abide in His
shadow? There are times when we wish to run from the pressures of life, whether
external or internal, we can find refuge in the fortress of God’s love. The
word picture painted here is one based on security and the knowledge that God
is a prayer away.
As we read further in the
next few verses there are a number of phrases and words that speak of not just
the protection but the action that God takes in protecting us. In verse 3 - “He will deliver you” and in
verse 4 - “He will cover you”. As we go on in verse 5 the writer states a very
clear fact, “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that
flies by day”. Back to the foxhole image: It has long been known that soldiers
who are confident, who have fear under control are much more likely to survive
a battle. In verses 9 & 10 the author writes “no evil shall be allowed to
befall you” as you “make the Lord your dwelling place”. The way God does it is
found in verses 11 & 12 where it says, “He will command His angels
concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you
up”. God uses all His resources to protect us.
As we close and reflect on
the title I have at the top of this article, the words tender intimacy are supported
in verses 14 & 15. The writer states “he holds fast to me in love”. When we
love someone we tend to want to have them close, to hold on; they truly know us
and in the end of this verse it says that God will protect us because “He knows
my name”. When you think of God and the millions of people on this planet, I
assure you He knows your name! He is that intimately acquainted with you. As
verse 15 unfolds three things stand out:
1. God will answer when we
call.
2. He will be with us during
any trouble we face.
3. He will rescue and honor
us.
How that all works is
answered in some ways by verse 16; we will be satisfied with long life and God
will show us His salvation.
God’s tender intimacy has
some very distinct goals, to protect and to bless our lives.
By: Pastor David Jones