JOURNAL ~ PsalmsSample

PROTECTION - Day 1

On a recent missions trip, we had to book transportation across Madura Island. Our friends were worried because the Madurese have a reputation for being fierce (but it turns out they are very nice people). We had difficulty finding a driver because we needed to leave at 11pm and arrive at our destination at 3am. The drivers didn't want to drive at night—they were frightened of evil spirits on the road. Eventually, we found a driver and made it safely to our destination. But we prayed a lot that God would protect us!

King David, the author of Psalm 91, was a man who both needed and experienced God's protection, whether fighting Goliath, fleeing from King Saul, or facing the rebellion of his son Absalom. In today's verses David declares his absolute trust

in God.

The verses also highlight David's sense of closeness with God, using words like shelter, shadow and refuge. To stand in someone’s shadow you have to be close to them. When you are that close to God you feel protected! When you are that close to God, you know that you can trust Him.

The starting point for protection is being close to God. If you need protection today, I encourage you—don't look out at your enemies. Don't look around at your circumstances. Rather, get closer to God. Trust him to be your shelter and

your refuge.