Songs of the Soul: A Lent DevotionalSample

Most of my tears and relaxation come from my bed. I like my smooth bedsheet, firm pillows, and silky blanket. My bed is the best, and I can't sleep anywhere else. I love cuddling my pillow and talking to God on my bed, especially when I'm upset and anxious. To me, my bed is a physical refuge from mental stress. But nothing is like the spiritual shelter that I can find in the Presence of God.

Challenges in life are inevitable. Oftentimes, we seek to understand and apply healthy ways of coping, such as eliminating overthinking, working from our strengths, taking time for self-care, and finding meaning in our experiences. We tend to cope using our strength to feel more prepared to face these challenges with peace and confidence.

But the psalmist copes in a divine way. He calls the Lord his Shelter and Sanctuary. He remembers the importance of confessing and declaring God's Grace over his life. He rests in God's Salvation. He asserts that God will protect him from the threats and dangers in life. No matter the nature of the peril, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, God's Hand of Protection is Mighty to save.

Verse 4 shows God's Gentleness beautifully. The Lord protects us with His Love and Compassion as a bird covers its young with feathers. Hiding beneath His Wings brings protection and peace. He protects us from the enemy's falsehoods with His Truth. His Truth gives us strength and hope.

Psalm 91:1-4 serves as a timeless reminder of the Spiritual Shelter and Refuge found in the Presence of God. The psalmist invites us to dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High. It is an invitation to seek intimacy with God, to draw near to His Presence, and find comfort within the Shelter He provides. The Secret Place represents a Profound Union, a Sacred Space where we can experience the fullness of His Love and Protection. When we choose to dwell in this Place of Communion, we position ourselves under the Shadow of the Almighty, shielded from the storms of life.

Shirley Lau
Women's Ministry

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being my Deliverer. You keep saving me from the enemy's traps and dangers. I trust in Your Unfailing Love and seek refuge in You throughout my life. Increase my faith, reliance, and comprehension of Your Ways. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.