Under the protection of the Almighty God
FOOD FOR THOUGHT •••
•••••••
READ : Psalm 91
DS . WILLIE BOTHA
A YOUNG JOURNALIST ONCE ASKED AN ELDERLY FARMER : “ AT WHAT TIME DO YOU GO TO WORK IN THE MORNING ?” THE FARMER ANSWERED : “ I DON ' T GO TO WORK . I AM SURROUNDED BY IT .” THE JOURNALIST REALISED THAT A FARMER ' S WORK CANNOT BE CONFINED BY TIME AND SPACE . TO A LARGE EXTENT THIS IS ALSO THE MESSAGE IN PSALM 91 .
This Psalm can be divided into a few main themes . We find a strong statement in the introduction : “ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty . I will say of the Lord , “ He is my refuge and my fortress , my God in whom I trust ”. Note the word shadow . At the time it was a general image which related to kingship .
Since Psalms 90-100 deals with the Kingship of the Lord , it fits in very well . In order to sit in someone ’ s shadow , you would have to be in that person ’ s close proximity , in his / her presence . The introduction therefore confirms that you will only be safe when you trust upon the Almighty only .
In the second pericope we find a number of assurances which follow on the introduction . He will save you from the fowler ’ s snare and save you from the deadly pestilence . Fear for the terror of night and the arrow that flies by day need not paralyse the person trusting in the Lord . Should there be a battle , the believer will be uninjured . God ’ s protection is summarised in verse 4 : He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge ; His faithfulness will be your shield and ram- part .” God ’ s presence is emphasised by the angels ’ protection .
It should be evident to the reader of the Psalm : Under the protection of the Almighty you need not fear . And when you are free of fear , you get things done , you have courage , you will have a zest for life and nothing will be able to rob you from your energy . You will experience an inexplicable calmness and peace of mind .
The last portion of Psalm 91 is of the most beautiful in the BIble :
“ Because he loves Me ,” says the Lord , " I will rescue him ; I will protect him , for he acknowledges My name . He will call on Me and I will answer him ; I will be with him in trouble , and I will deliver him and honour him . With long life I will satisfy him .” This portion confirms the fact that times of need are a part of life , bad things do happen , but when we call upon the Lord in our time of need , He will rescue us , as he rescued Peter when he was busy disappearing under the water .
This verse invites us to take refuge with God . He is like the image of the farmer whose work surrounds him . The Lord is with us and because He is with us , we shall not stumble .
SENWES Scenario • FEB / MAR 2017 57