7 day plan

The Bible in Australia: Solid Rock Faith

Day 4 of 7

NIV

Psalms 91:4-6

4He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

Reflection:

As a Defence family of 25 years, we’ve experienced many times of separation due to training, exercises and even overseas deployments. These times have often contained high anxiety, however, there is great relief when they are over. Psalm 91 is sometimes affectionately known as the soldier’s Psalm, and it has had a place in my heart as a Defence spouse. David describes the protection God offers his people as a mother hen, spreading its wings wide but also offering the close protection of her body.

There are many moments where I can imagine just sitting at Jesus’ feet, and his wings wrapped around me and my family, and knowing that he is with us protecting, guarding and guiding. Most importantly of all, he never slumbers he’s always awake and He’s always on guard (Psalm 91:5). I knew that no matter what was going on, I could come before Jesus. He doesn’t necessarily stop the hard stuff, but I knew that I could find comfort and protection under his wings. This Psalm has been a very special Psalm over the many years our family has served the Australian Defence Force.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that no matter what’s going on, I will come before you, sit at your feet and allow you to put your wings around me, bringing comfort and guidance. Thank you that in Jesus, you have saved us from the consequences of our sins. Amen

Days

Psalms 91:1-16

Psalm 91

1Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

3Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

4He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

8You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

9If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

10no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

11For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

12they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

16With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”