The Mighty God – my Refuge!
By Helen Jesze, 17th March 2023
Psalm 91 is a great favourite of mine; it was also a favourite of my late husband, George. On his tombstone are written the words “THE LORD IS MY REFUGE”. When he went to minister in India, he used to repeat and meditate on this Psalm every day, especially the verses about being kept from disease. His interpreter came down with Malaria, but George had good health, and he gave God all the glory.
When I came across this Psalm in The Message Bible I wanted to share it with you, as it throws new facets of light on those well-known truths. Not a real translation, some might say perhaps, but I believe it is still valuable for us to read. So here it is, be blessed:
Psalm 91 The Message (MSG)
91 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “GOD, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right – he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you – under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing – not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succomb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because GOD’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says GOD, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Petersen
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