I’ve prayed Psalm 91 for soldiers deployed to foreign lands.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust” Psalm 91:1,2.

I’ve prayed it for friends and family.

I’ve prayed it for myself.

“Protect us Lord! We desperately need your protection. Place us in your shadow. Cover us.”

I love the image verse four paints in my mind.

But how do we crawl up under the wings of God?

Digging into the ancient text helps us know the answer. Crawling under the wings of God takes effort on our part. We have to put ourselves there. But how do we do that?

The words “find refuge” have been translated from the Hebrew word Hasah. As you read the definition of Hasah, notice the different meanings:

to flee (for protection), seek refuge; to trust in, confide in, hope in…is often used in the figurative sense of seeking spiritual refuge and putting trust in God. (Key-Word, NIV 1517)

I love the imagery of seeking refuge under God’s wings, but this beautiful picture meets reality with the definition, “putting trust in God.”

[tweetability]Placing oneself under God’s wings really means trusting Him.[/tweetability] (click to tweet)

How do we trust God when our lives are falling apart? How do we trust Him when the diagnosis is grim, the bank account is empty, or pain is our constant companion?

Other people’s testimonies have inspired me to keep on keepin’ on. Hearing their testimonies inspire me to have one.

But my faith has grown during those desperate days when I made a choice:

I could do things my way or God’s.
I could be mad at Him or trust that He is always good.
I could demand my way or wait.
I could quit or keep on believing.

[tweetability]That’s the hardest and most wonderful thing about trust. It’s always our choice.[/tweetability]

The refuge I find doesn’t change my circumstances, but it does fill me with peace. And peace in this world, my friends, is a miracle. Peace in the midst of turmoil doesn’t make sense. That’s when you know it’s from the One whose feathers cover you.

It makes me want to snuggle closer to His chest. My ear next to His heart. Warm, dry, safe. His breathing rhythmic. His heartbeat soothing.

Knowing what it means to “find refuge” in God will not only help me in my life, it will help me know how to pray Psalm 91 for those I love.

“Help them trust you Lord…help us trust you.”

God’s refuge is found only in this powerful five letter word–trust.

Will you pray with me?

Grab my hand.

(Big, deep breath)

“Father-God, life is hard. Scary. Desperate. Lonely. But you are here. You are always present. You are always good. Help us choose to trust your goodness in our messy lives. Change our brain if need be. If we can’t trust anyone, enable us to trust you and find your peaceful refuge. We love you. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

Leave a comment:

Do you think finding His refuge and peace can be this simple? Share your testimony to encourage others.

Jesus Loves You,