Refuge

Psalm 91  (The Message)

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 succumb 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.

“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 a long life,
    give you a long drink of salvation!”

Reflection
     I heard the other day that all of the Psalms connect to a central theme of "refuge."
Certainly, this thought is true for number 91! Even if pastors are not supposed to have favorites, I don't care, this one makes my top three. I like the change of voice. The abundance of metaphors and images feeds my hungry imagination. Even better, it nourishes my spirit into the comforting embrace of a nurturing and mothering God.

     Even though the brutal invasion of Russia into Ukraine is many miles away. We stand with our sisters and brothers. Lutheran churches around the world are lifting up the innocents and calling for peace. It is easy in a time such as this to connect with the beautiful sheltering images of this Psalm and see the need for shelter and protection. I encourage you to give via the links below and pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. May we truly learn Jesus' command to love our enemies!

Great God,

You bring us hope in dark times and watch over us at all times. We are thankful that in difficult times, you weep with us and show us a better way forward. We pray for strength and integrity to find the road to peace. We lift up the people of Ukraine and Russia, may Russia's invasion end and a permanent cease-fire begin. Build up democracies that have the best interests of your people in mind. Tear down dictatorships that thrive on inequalities of power and turn away from your Way of life and love. In the name of the One who endured the cross at our hand, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Luther World Relief/ Lutheran Disaster Fund

Luther World Federation (site is in French, click on translate)

World Central Kitchen -meals for refugees