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.” – Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)

I’ve been reading Psalm 91 this morning. What absolutely amazing promises it contains! Imagine… God – the Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe, The One Who gives us life, our Heavenly Father Who is Love itself, Whose love we cannot be separated from, Who is sovereign over everything – is Himself our place of protection. He is our trustworthy refuge and fortress, our place of safety from our enemy.

It is in God we need to put our trust. He will deliver us from all variety of evil, day and night, removing our fear. He promises protection in the battle. (v.3-8).

When we make God our place of refuge, He promises “no evil shall befall you.” He sends His angels to guard and guide us through the troubles and trials we face. The strength we are provided by the Lord sees us through every situation. We are to rely on God for everything, not ourselves. He is faithful, even when we are not. His love in genuine – not a reward to earn but a gift of selflessness to accept and treasure with thankfulness.

Jesus put it this way:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:1-11 (ESV).

Full. Abundant. Life overflowing with joy and peace in the assurance of God. Free from the need to worry. Devoid of any reason for fear.

Even when the storm is raging around us, we are to have peace rooted in the faithful promises and assurance of our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. We can rest in Him.

We should rest in Him.

We need to trust Him.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). Just like Peter walking on the stormy sea, we can choose the temptation to stare at the storm and drown. Or we can call out to Jesus and be saved. We can find our refuge and strength in the Lord, or let the enemy steal the joy we are promised in the Lord.

¹⁴ “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
¹⁵ When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.” – Psalm 91:14-16 (ESV)