Worship: A Study in Psalmsნიმუში

What does it say?

The psalmist lived in the shelter of the Most High and rested in the shadow of Almighty God. He acknowledged and called upon God, who promised to be with him in trouble.

What does it mean?

God made unique promises to the nation of Israel; some of those are evidenced in today’s passage. Imagine having such divine protection that there was no need to fear plagues, pestilence, or enemy attacks – as long as they lived in obedience to the Lord Almighty. His promises covered them like the wings of a mother hen over her chicks. The anonymous author of this psalm lived securely in those promises. He didn’t have to run to the Lord when trouble came; he was already abiding in Him when difficulty arose. God didn’t keep him away from all trouble but promised to be with him in the midst of it.

How should I respond?

Jesus never promised His followers lives of ease in exchange for living to please Him; He said quite the opposite, actually. Christians through the ages have been persecuted for their faith in Christ. Even today, you probably know a godly, faithful believer who has suffered from severe illness or some other tragedy. We do, however, have the promise that the Lord hears us when we pray (1 John 5:14-15) and is with us through every difficulty we face (Matt. 28:20). It’s possible to rest unafraid in His peace, knowing that nothing can touch your life unless your loving Lord permits it. Are you abiding in Him today?