Psalm 91

This is easily one of the best-loved psalms in almost any translation. We are told the Hebrew is quite lyrical in its own right. (Hint: Ephesians 6 echoes some of the thinking here.) So popular was this song that Satan threw it at Jesus, attempting to sucker the Lord into a legalistic literal application. Jesus wasn’t drawn into a petty dispute, but pointed out how the suggested miracle would violate the fundamental nature of faith itself. Instead, Jesus performed better, sometimes more spectacular miracles that served His Father’s divine purpose. This is not about a stack of miracles, but a genuine trust in God to do whatever it takes to make the mission of His glory happen.

This entire psalm rests on the image of Ancient Near Eastern feudalism. It matters not what service the servant renders, only that he remain utterly faithful in the business of his lord.

It’s not a question of where you belong, but to whom. In Ancient Hebrew culture, entering the service of some noble or king meant hanging out in his court until given a mission. However, when the mission is complete, to this court the servant returns as his home base. It’s hard to imagine a safer place, because to attack the servant requires attacking the ruler and his entire bodyguard.

And once upon a mission, who would dare to interfere? Your master’s reputation makes a huge difference. This is Jehovah, so we should hardly be surprised when Satan attempts to sucker us and draw us off the mission into any number of diversions that bring us into his slavery. That’s his job. It’s not so much the enslavement as the tempting diversion from which we are delivered if we are faithful at heart. Our Lord provides whatever it takes to remain healthy and covers us with His warmth against harsh weather. He is utterly trustworthy, so our confidence is better than any battle shield.

Night terrors and arrows are both threats that you don’t see coming. Night or day matters not, for God never sleeps. Death and destruction could come up next to you, but never touch you, sparing you rather like the Passover in the Exodus. It’s not that you won’t see mass destruction, but that it won’t have your name on it. So long as you are faithful in your Master’s business, it won’t matter where you go or what you do, He will insure that your shalom is undisturbed.

A part of that shalom is God keeping natural threats at bay. His Creation is no danger to those who serve the divine moral character that is woven into that Creation. Your feet will be shod with His sense of peace about things the other people fear.

God Himself offers the most extravagant promises. While this is written much like the standard protocol promises of any master taking on a new servant, we know that God can actually perform as Maker of all things. How long does it take for you to bring Him glory? Your life here won’t expire until He is finished, at which time you’ll be quite happy to go to your well-earned rest.