My Refuge and My Fortress — Why Psalm 91 Is So Close to My Heart
There are certain Scriptures that settle deep into your soul, the kind that you find yourself clinging to in the middle of the night, whispering over your morning matcha, or speaking out loud when fear tries to creep in. For me, one of those passages is Psalm 91.
This Psalm is my reminder that no matter what is happening around me, sickness, uncertainty, heartbreak, or chaos, God is my shelter, my refuge, and my fortress.
📖 Psalm 91:1–2
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’”
I love that this Psalm begins with a choice, dwelling in God’s shelter. This isn’t a quick visit. It’s living there. Resting there. Staying there. When we choose to remain close to Him, we are covered in His protection and peace.
God’s Protection Is Personal
There’s so much comfort in verses 3–4:
“He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
I picture a mama bird covering her chicks under her wings — close, safe, hidden from danger. That’s how God holds us. When my dad was diagnosed with ALS, this picture became even more real to me. We didn’t know what the road ahead would look like, but I knew Who was walking with us.
Peace in the Middle of the Storm
Verses 5–7 remind us:
“You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
Life gives us plenty of reasons to be afraid, and the enemy loves throwing turmoil at you — a diagnosis, financial struggles, broken relationships, uncertainty about the future. But Psalm 91 tells me I don’t have to live in fear because God is faithful to protect and deliver me.
The Lord Is My Dwelling Place
Verses 9–11 say:
“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.”
I can’t read these words without smiling. God’s protection isn’t limited or half-hearted. His angels are on assignment for you and me. That’s a promise I hold onto daily.
His Promises Are Yes and Amen
The Psalm ends with God speaking directly to us:
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
What a gift — the God of the universe promises to be with us, to answer when we call, and to rescue us in times of trouble.
🌟 My Encouragement for You
If you’ve been feeling anxious, weighed down, or uncertain, I encourage you to sit with Psalm 91 this week. Read it slowly. Pray it over your family. Speak it over your home. Memorize a verse or two so it comes to mind when you need it most. Let these words remind you: God is your refuge. He is your fortress. You can trust Him.
Let me know your thought on Psalm 91. I would love to pray for you today. Please let me know your prayer request in the comments below.