My Refuge and My Fortress

Psalm 91:1–2, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.”

Psalm 91 is a Psalm about the security of the one who trusts in the LORD. Throughout the chapter we read of dangers, fears, sickness, enemies, and trouble. Yet over and over again, the Psalm directs our attention back to the protection and faithfulness of God.

It begins with one important word:
“Dwelleth.”

The Psalmist is not describing someone who occasionally runs to God when trouble comes and then forgets Him when life becomes easier. He describes someone who makes his dwelling place near the LORD.

Then comes the personal declaration of verse 2:
“My refuge.”
“My fortress.”
“My God.”
“In Him will I trust.”

There is a difference between knowing that God can be a refuge and declaring that He is my refuge.

A fortress does not mean that no battle exists outside its walls. It means there is a place of security in the middle of the battle.

Psalm 91 never teaches us to live carelessly or presume upon God. It teaches us where our confidence belongs. Our security is not in ourselves. It is not in our ability to control every circumstance.

Our confidence rests in the LORD.

And the closer we dwell to Him, the more we learn that He is worthy of that trust.

Act Today: Read the entire 91st Psalm. As you read, notice each description of who God is and what He does. Then make verse 2 personal: “He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”