SCRIPTURE: Psalm 91
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [Psalm 91:1]
This psalm gives great hope to those who are abandoned or assaulted; it encourages them to trust God though trouble.
The analogy of a mother hen and her chicks is used to describe how God keeps His beloved safe.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. [Psalm 91:4]

Jesus uses this same analogy: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. [Matthew 23:37]
Jesus experienced this Himself, though abandoned by His friends, He lived in the presence and shelter of the Father, and therefore was not alone.
“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. [John 16:32]
And through all that He experienced – even brutal torture and death – God did not abandon Him; His resurrection is God’s ultimate act of protection.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation. [Psalm 91:16]

The problem is that it doesn’t always seem true, God does not always protect His beloved children.
But Jesus shows us how to read and apply these words; they are not a guarantee against suffering but a guarantee against defeat.
The Psalmist expresses this truth in poetic, prophetic language – bold statements to make a point.
We should not read these statements literally but seriously, in their poetic, prophetic way.
Satan misreads and misapplied this Psalm when tempting Jesus to go against God [Psalm 91:11-12, Matthew 4:6-7].
But Jesus exposes Satan’s lack of faith when He says, It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” [Matthew 4:7]
The words of Psalm 91 are intended to inspire hope and faith and perseverance, not technical manipulation.
When we struggle, when we’re afraid, when life is falling apart, run to God, He will keep You from defeat.

The only question is, are we willing to run to Him?

PRAYER:
Lord, with You I am never alone. With You I am always ultimately secure. At the end of it all, through whatever happens, I will will receive long (eternal) life, I will see Your salvation!