When Sues parents divorced when she was young, the legal tussle over her custody and other matters resulted in her being sent to a childrens home for a while. Bullied by bigger kids, she felt lonely and abandoned. Her mother visited only once a month, and she hardly saw her father. It was only years later, however, that her mother told her that while the homes rules prevented her from visiting more often, she had stood at the fence every single day, hoping to catch a glimpse of her daughter. Sometimes, she said, I would just watch you playing in the garden, just to check if you were okay.
When Sue shared this story, it gave me a glimpse of Gods love. Sometimes we may feel abandoned and alone in our struggles. How comforting it is to know that God is in fact watching over us all the time! (Psalm 33:18). Even though we cant see Him, He is there. Like a loving parent, His eyes and His heart are constantly on us wherever we go. Yet, unlike Sues mom, He can act on our behalf at any time.
Psalm 91 describes God delivering, protecting, and lifting up His children. He is more than a refuge and a shelter. As we navigate the dark valleys of life, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the all-powerful Lord is watching over us and is active in our lives. I will answer [you], He declares. I will be with [you] in trouble, I will deliver [you] (v. 15).
INSIGHT
Psalm 91 celebrates the safety and security of those who trust in God, who have made the Lord (the Most High) their refuge, fortress, and dwelling place (vv. 2, 9). The psalmist affirms that our God is powerful and faithful and therefore trustworthy (vv. 18). He also testifies of God's protection and deliverance in a dangerous and destructive world (vv. 916). In the New Testament, Satan misquoted verses 1112 to tempt Jesus to test God's protection by jumping from the top of the temple (Matthew 4:6). In response, Jesus says that God's promise is for those who love and obey Him (Psalm 91:1415) and not for those who presume upon God's grace (Matthew 4:7).