By Week 7 you're becoming familiar with the cadence of the week's readings. As we've unpacked the rebellion of the Watchers (so-called in ancient texts outside of the Bible and in Daniel 4:17) it has become very apparent that the world was and is plagued by dark spiritual forces who battle against the Most High and us, His children. This truth, once understood, can sometimes bring about fear and anxiety, but Psalm 91 eliminates the thought that we should feel any fear or uncertainty at all.

Though the Psalm speaks OF cosmic powers, it speaks TO fragile hearts. Protection isn't promised through denial of the existence of danger, but is levied by proximity to the Presence of God. It doesn't pretend terror, disease, and attacks don't exist, but insists instead that none of them outrank or overpower the Most High.

So many people turn to God as a last resort when their own best efforts fall short of either halting the onslaught or providing peace and comfort within it. In contrast, this Psalm invites us to trust, to dwell, to abide with God ... to make Him our primary refuge rather than the place to which we retreat when all else fails.

God isn't a charm or superstitious incantation to ward off evil, this protection isn't mechanical, it's relational. Safety flows from abiding, not formulas.

There are real spiritual enemies out there and Psalm 91 puts faces to them we can relate to. It's also easy to lean on the temptation of our own efforts and abilities. Even Jesus was tempted with the words of Psalm 91:11, but chose trust in the Father over misplaced use of the truths of this passage.

Our hearts are easily weighed down with fear, uncertainty, and doubt, but Psalm 91 anchors us in the truth that no power or authority operates outside of God's permission and no threat exceeds his reach.

It's very easy for us to fall into the temptation of control instead of trust; to handle things on our own instead of resting in Him for refuge and strength.

Where has fear tempted you to rely on control and your own abilities? What would it look like for you to rest more deeply in God's protection?

Father, teach me to dwell in your presence and to seek refuge in abiding with you. Forgive me for assuming control instead of trusting you for protection and provision. Amen.