Let me tell you a story about a girl who had big plans and great expectations for 2021. She was full of hope that after the last two years, things were turning the corner. And some did, she saw some great things happen and she saw God move and use her in some very special places. BUT she also saw some big hurts and disappointments. The end of the year was rough for our intrepid Follower of Jesus. She was not really sure if she trusted 2022. She wanted to be excited, but didn’t think she could summon the emotional energy to get that into gear. I just want 2022 to come in, be quiet and behave, she thought.

Knowing she needed to get out her funk, she prayed. She waited. She ate some chocolate. In a Christmas package her hubby brought home there was a book on Psalm 91. Curious and not remembering it, she opened her Bible and read Psalm 91. Have you read that lately? This Psalm could have been written for today. If you replace hidden traps, deadly plagues - well keep the plague one, terrors at night and arrows by day, stumbling over rocks, and facing lions and snakes with the craziness of our world right now. It was like God was breathing new life into her. It was written for her. For you. For us. To remind us of who God is and His promises to us.

An interesting fact about Psalm 91: some believe that Moses wrote it as a continuation of Psalm 90. It was believed to have been written when Moses finished the Tabernacle and his experience ascending the cloud hovering over Mt. Sinai as a protection from angels of destruction. This Psalm is recited at funerals. Others say it’s David that wrote it.

Anyway… let’s look at a few verses:
Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (italics mine)
If we are dwelling or living, not just stopping in for a visit when things get wonky, under the covering of God then we can rest or abide in His shade and protection.

Verse 3 tells us He saves us from the trap. Verse 4 says God covers us with His feathers, we find safety under His wings and HIS faithfulness is our shield.

Psalm 91 is about our security and how God protects and watches out for us, IF we are actively in a relationship with Him.

Psalm 91:8 “You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.” (italics mine)
When we are in a constant communion with God ~ when we trust in and believe in God ~ we are under the umbrella of God’s protection. We are inaccessible.

But sometimes it doesn’t feel like that does it? We know from our lives, the lives of those around us, and those in the Bible that hard and difficult things happen. Unfair and unjust things. Sad and devastating things. Take a minute and as you read the end of the chapter, allow faith and hope to rise up in you!

“ For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and serpent.
’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 honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.’” Psalm 91:11-16

God promises to be with us NO. MATTER. WHAT. happens in our lives IF we live with Him! Verse 9 says: “IF you make the Most High your dwelling…”

That is our part: to love, to pursue, to stay connected and in relationship with our Father, who loves us.

In case you haven’t guessed it the girl is me ;) and that’s what I need as I think about 2022. I need the security of knowing that God is with me. That I can have His protection. I have a secret hiding place I can go when the storm is too much.

I don’t know how you’re approaching 2022, but if you feel a little weary and leery, I hope this breathes new life , hope and trust in you.

God, be our shelter and shield. We trust and hope in You and Your faithfulness in our lives! Amen!

I pray that you have an amazing day!!
All My Love ~
Jodi xo