During 2025, Peachtree Church is focusing on the Book of Psalms with a series called Dwell, through which we seek to deepen our conversation with God and open ourselves to hearing his response. The practice of praying three times each day will unite the voices of our hearts and souls as we seek the day when we will see the full realization of the Kingdom of God, promised in Revelation 21:3: “…Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
We will email devotionals twice weekly with Monday’s providing an overview of the Psalm as a whole, and Wednesday’s focused on that week’s Daily Dwell.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the hunter and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and defense.
You will not fear the terror of the night or the arrow that flies by day or the pestilence that stalks in darkness or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation.
Psalm 91
Devotional
While studying Psalm 91, I came across an idea I hadn’t read before. Like Psalms 23 and 121, Psalm 91 is called an “amulet Psalm.”
In ancient times, people carried amulets, or small tokens inscribed with sacred words or symbols, as protection against danger. Think of a “rabbit’s foot,” which allegedly carries luck to the believer who carries it. Life has always been complicated; if a piece of jewelry was said to give someone the edge over some typical troubles, who wouldn’t consider keeping it?
Perhaps ancient folks were like you and me as they tried to make critical life decisions where some steep consequences could result from a mistake. I can envision an ancient person facing a difficult decision reaching up to their necklace and clutching the item in their hand as they mustered the courage to make a tough choice. Maybe the object could convince the anxious person with a comforting word: “I’m not alone here.”
However, Psalm 91 became something different for the people of Israel: a living amulet, not worn around the neck, but carried in the heart. As ancient Israel navigated the complexities of life, they held the word of God and the stories of their ancestors in their hearts. So, instead of clutching an item, they recited the words to Psalm 91 as they worked up the courage to take their leap of faith.
Although it is wise to get advice and ponder all the possibilities of a big decision, we do need to act and not overanalyze our next move. A friend always tells me, “You can’t steer a parked car.” So perhaps you and I can re-read Psalm 91 above, recognize that we are not alone, and take our leap of faith.
For Reflection
- Is there a character or story from the Bible that you turn to when facing a tough choice?
- Can you name the primary source of fear that keeps you from taking a risk?
- When was the last time God came through in your life? How does this previous experience help you have confidence in your current challenges?
Prayer
Father, our refuge and fortress, we rest in Your shadow and trust in Your strength. Cover us with Your wings and hold us in Your steadfast love. Jesus, Son of the Most High, You walk with us in trouble and deliver us with grace. You have overcome every snare, and in You we find our rescue. Holy Spirit, our comfort and guide, dwell with us in the secret place of the Most High. Speak peace to our fears and guard us in all our ways. In the shelter of Your presence, Triune God, we are safe. Amen.
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