Psalm 91, Isaiah 54
The Bible tells us that God is a loving Father, watching over His people and providing protection in times of need. Psalm 91 assures us that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High are under His mighty protection, safe from danger and secure in His care. God has given us the promise of escape from the snares of this world and of protection from all harm. This assurance is not only a promise for the people of the past but also a living truth for those who love Him today. Our faith, then, is our shield and refuge.
God is faithful to His covenant
God is a covenant-keeping God. His Word is unbreakable, and every promise He makes will be fulfilled. Jesus Himself affirmed: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). As believers, we are encouraged to hold fast to this truth, to trust without doubt that every promise in God’s Word is steadfast. This is our faith, our assurance, our “divine insurance” in this life and beyond. Christ is the surety of our faith, and through Him, we experience the peace and security that come from trusting in God’s promises.
Deliverance of Israel from Egypt
A powerful example of God’s deliverance can be seen in the story of Israel’s escape from Egypt. For years, the Israelites suffered under the heavy hand of Pharaoh, their cries for freedom seemingly unheard. But God was with them. He demonstrated His faithfulness and power by working wonders to free them from bondage. Pharaoh, who ruled with arrogance and cruelty, refused to let God’s people go, yet God made a way where there seemed to be no way. Moses and Aaron, as leaders, had unwavering faith in God’s power. They knew that He would come through for His people. In times of trouble, they did not just turn to others for help—they sought God directly. This story reminds us that in our moments of trial, we too should seek God’s wisdom and intervention.
The psalmist declares: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1-3). Even if the earth trembles or the mountains shake, we need not fear, for God’s protection is our fortress.
The plague of darkness, God’s light for His people
The story of the plagues in Egypt further illustrates God’s power and protection. In particular, the ninth plague—a plague of darkness—was a vivid display of God’s control over light and darkness. As described in Exodus 10:21-23: “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness that may be felt.’” For three days, Egypt was engulfed in an oppressive darkness that halted all activities. No one could see another, and they dared not move from their place. Yet, in the midst of this terrifying darkness, there was light in the homes of the Israelites. God ensured that His people were spared from the plague’s effects.
This event speaks volumes about God’s ability to distinguish between His people and those who oppose Him. While Egypt was plunged into fear, God’s people remained under His care, experiencing His protection and peace. As believers today, we are reminded that even when the world around us seems engulfed in darkness, God’s light is with us, guiding and protecting.
Unique identity as God’s people
As Christians, we are marked by a special identity. God has set us apart as His own, choosing us to be “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9). This distinction is not one of superiority but of divine purpose. Just as God provided for the Israelites in Egypt, He promises to care for those who place their trust in Him today. We are under the protection of Christ, covered by His blood, and equipped with His Word as our shield.
This unique identity invites us to live with gratitude and humility, knowing that we are recipients of God’s mercy and grace. When we reflect on who we are in Christ, we can have confidence that He will continue to provide for our every need.
Assurance of Psalm 91
Psalm 91 is a beautiful reminder of God’s unshakable promise of protection. It proclaims: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2). This psalm invites us to trust God completely, knowing that He will deliver us from any trap, from any danger, and from any trouble that we might face. He is a shield that surrounds us, His wings providing us with a safe refuge.
As we live out our faith, we need not fear the “terror by night” or the “arrow that flies by day” (Psalm 91:5), for God is our constant protector. His truth is our shield, and His presence is our security. This does not mean that we will never encounter challenges or hardship. Instead, it assures us that in every situation, God is with us, strengthening and delivering us.
Finding comfort, confidence in God
These promises are a reminder of God’s presence in our daily lives. The God who protected the Israelites from Pharaoh’s cruelty, who shielded them from the plague of darkness, and who faithfully led them through the Red Sea is the same God we worship today. His covenant of love and protection remains unchanged. We are invited to live with a deep sense of peace, knowing that our lives are held securely in His hands.
Let us walk in confidence, rooted in the knowledge that we serve a faithful God who watches over us. May we take refuge in Him, live in His light, and trust Him for our every need.
By Dr Edward Tamale-Sali
