I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.'  (Psalm 91:2, NIV)

 

Rock, refuge, fortress; shield, stronghold, shelter. Divine favour. These evocative words from the Psalms each speak of ways in which God’s protection was viewed, experienced and celebrated by his people. Long before David killed Goliath, tribes were already warring against one another; and nothing has really changed. In Solomon’s words, “there is nothing new under the sun”. (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Mankind has always needed protection.

 

In our world, we’re very aware of the need for protection, perhaps more so since the escalation of bold crimes in our communities, and war, and unrest, in other countries which has intensified to such a degree that, on all levels, looming danger creates tension which increases fear and uncertainty.

 

From his youth, David’s awareness of divine protection in his life came from his close relationship with God, which undoubtedly contributed to his courage in battle; and with each victory his faith grew; yet he fought Goliath on the strength of his experience of his God, clothed only in faith and courage, carrying unsophisticated weapons. And many years later, after all his enemies had been subdued, he could truly say: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2) For David, the sure knowledge that God is with him brings him inner peace in extremely dangerous times, and ultimately, victory.

 

The writer of Psalm 125 fleshes out David’s experience as he observes that God’s nature is such that he “surrounds his people …” as “the mountains surround Jerusalem” (Psalm 125:2) and that “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” (Psalm 125:1) This raises the bar as he paints an amazingly tactile image of God encircling his people, providing protection on every side, like the arms of a loving parent, or mother hen, that completely enfolds her chicks under her wings, as she keeps them safe.

 

To be in close relationship with God, and intimately know his care, is the crux of the matter; only then is it possible to confidently echo the sentiments of our verse today, because “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1) He brings that peace and God’s beautiful promise stands: " 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.' " (Psalm 91:14-15)

 

Yesterday’s reflection on God’s unchanging nature, faithfulness and integrity reminds us that he is always there, and even though he can’t be seen, it doesn’t change who he is.

 

God is the “rock” of countless men and women in the Bible who served him, as he is for his people today; those deep-rooted in him trust his integrity, believe his words, and build firm faith as they walk with him. Is he your Rock?

 

Prayer: Dearest Father, your love and grace surpasses understanding. What a comfort it is to know that you are our rock and our safe space and that you rescue and protect us when we call upon you. Amen.