Psalm 91: A Complete Refuge 3

Psalm 91 [short series].

As we journey through life, sometimes we go through troubles beyond our control — an addiction, sudden financial lack, sickness, broken relationship, losing a loved one, a hope deferred. How do we navigate those seasons? Or maybe you are currently in such a season and wondering, "How do I live through this?"

Previously [1] [2], we saw that God's refuge is guaranteed. The Psalm also shows the completeness of God's refuge as a reason for how we can navigate the seasons of life.

His Refuge is complete through this life!
Psalm 91:3-6, 13

God rescues you from troubles you can't handle and takes care of the root of all problems—Satan himself. His refuge deals with:

• Sin: snare of the fowler (v3, 11-12)

Snares are traps used to catch animals, often made with something enticing or luring, like a cheese trap for a mouse. Similarly, the enemy can set snares like enticing sinful habits or temptations that entrap us. It could be those habits that we think, 'I wish I could stop doing that'. He will send His angels, better still put His Spirit in you, to keep you from stumbling (v11-12). God can and will deliver and protect from snares through Jesus (John 1:29).

• Suffering: deadly pestilence (v3)

Deadly pestilence is like sickness, deteriorating health, loss of a loved one, those events that rip the joy out of life — in a word, suffering. In suffering, we have a refuge in God! As we saw earlier, God's refuge sometimes will look like protection and deliverance — where troubles are averted. But always, even amid troubles His refuge looks like presence and eternal hope — where we know His peace, hope and comfort in the journey (Psalm 23:4).

• Satan: fowler, serpent, roaring lion (v13)

The Bible describes Satan as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) and a serpent (Genesis 3:1 and Revelations 12:9). "You will tread on the lion and the serpent" (v13) is a picture of victory over Satan. The New Testament expands on this: the "You" here is what God has accomplished through Christ (Colossians 2:14-15, Ephesians 1:22). And therefore, our victory in Christ alone. Thus, God not only saves us from the snare and sufferings caused by the fowler, but God also saves us from the fowler himself, from Satan.

Like an animal caged in a Zoo, although its movement can inflict fear, it is permanently confined. So is Satan — who is under your feet. So what do you do? You fearlessly complete your Zoo tour; you live fearlessly.

Live Fearlessly (v5-6)

How do we navigate seasons of trouble? Live fearlessly — not being afraid, not being anxious — because of God's complete and guaranteed refuge, knowing He is always present (v15, Psalm 23:4).

Live fearlessly regardless of the season of life — night, day, darkness, noonday (v5-6). Live fearlessly regardless of the trouble — terror, arrow, pestilence, destruction, or any present trouble you may face (v5-6).

All through scripture, God commands us to fear not (Isaiah 41:10, 43:1, John 14:27); we are the threat to the enemy (Ephesians 6:12-13). The Psalm shows us that part of the beauty of trusting in God is that you can have a problem and still enjoy your life. He shows us that we can live fearlessly through this life, even amid trouble, because God's refuge is complete!

Reflect & Pray

What brings fear to your heart? How does the complete work of God's refuge encourage you?

Father, thank You that Your refuge is complete through this life. Help us to live fearlessly, always trusting in You, in Jesus' name!

Next time, we’ll see how the Psalm shows us that God’s refuge is complete into the next life. →

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.