Enfolded: A Reflection on God’s Psalm 91 Promisesনমুনা

A “quadrangle of safety” marks four points on the surface of the human body to prevent mistakes during invasive surgery. In public safety, the exact phrase points people to areas of refuge to protect them.

In Psalm 91, four metaphors and four names of God point you to a quadrangle of safety. We’ll start with the metaphors.

Shelter: God keeps the believer. We enter into this promise by dwelling in God as our preferred shelter. We are not just temporarily housed in Him. Dwelling in God is personally expressed by trusting in Him.

Shadow: Only the larger object can be detected in the shadow-silhouette, though smaller objects may be nestled in the bigger thing. God overshadows us in protection, even as He overshines us in person.

Sanctuary: We say to the Lord, “You are my refuge.” This is not merely positive self-talk. “Trust” here is expressed in words, “I will say” (vs. 2; cf. v. 9), but means much more. It is personal acknowledgment—a move toward and a reliance on God.

Stronghold: “Fortress,” a synonym for refuge, is common verbiage in the psalms for defense. God envelops us in Himself as our fort. Attack(er)s have to go through Him to get to you. None is able without His knowledge or permission.

Notice the possessive pronouns in addition to “I,” “my refuge, my fortress, my God.” Once declared, one can’t return to alternate sources of necessary and sufficient protection. The psalmist did not have auto, health, or life insurance to guarantee coverage in the case of accidents, illness, or death. God is the place of personal preservation, prevention, and protection.