Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
American soldiers often carry psalm 91 with them during deployment. Imagine keeping these words close to stir courage in warfare. Yet it may be easy to mistake the text for a good luck charm holding magical power. The influence of pagan thought and our fears can mislead us. A desire to alter circumstances in our favor may tempt us to wear scripture as an amulet. Spirit inspired words are not an ornament worn to guard against evil, danger, and disease.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday. 1-6
Jerry Garcia often performed Charles B. Johnson’s song My Sisters and Brothers. The spiritual tune quotes psalm 91. It encourages walking together, loving one another, and doing the best we can. The lyrics reveal movement toward a forever and ever place; transcending life as we know it. The music draws listeners beyond the troubles of the day.
“Keep the faith
When the storm flies and the wind blows
Go on at a steady pace,” sings Garcia.
Enya speaks verses from psalm 91 in Gaelic on Sinead O'Connor's 1987 release Never Get Old. The song from the Lion & Cobra album captures the empowering space found in the scripture. The music resonates deep within the inner core of our being. It strikes a primordial chord. The ancient text upholds a promise of Divine protection and sparks hope. People are within God’s reach. Truth moves us like Rock & Roll and it never gets old.
“Sun setting on the avenue
Everyone walks by
They live life under cover,” O’Connor sings.
We do.
We are covered by God.
The psalm reminds of a wedding rite. Vows spoken are promises shared. The dialogue presented by the psalmist declares trust. Within God’s realm an insecure, vulnerable stance shifts to stability and resilience. Concerns and worries prevent us from engaging in life. They subside in the abiding presence of God. Our days are set in motion and we often go about the work of life with little awareness of God with us. Yet a bond of love holds strong.
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. 14-16
How can we see a more clear picture of what the psalm paints?
As news headlines report trauma, crisis, and threats of violence a remedy for the world waits. Held with confidence in God’s capable care we meet creative power. Security alleviates our fears and makes room for us to imagine. The psalmist’s prophetic speech captivates hope for the kind of life we need. God promises us rest and peace.
Life will lead us into all types of situations. Brueggemann points to the wisdom of trusting God affirmed by the psalmist. God provides us a safe place and a safe journey in the middle of all life. The protection of God is everywhere. A Hebrew verb found in verse 14 translates to “love”. It connotes “to be attached to” or “to be connected with”.* Our connection is God-centered rather than person-centered. Our attachment with God is love. The confident, grounded place of trust is God. God is the centering source of love reaching out and drawing us in.
Reading the psalm with an Army veteran reveals something. Praying the psalm with a former special ops soldier uncovers a gentle truth. Sitting crossed legged like a child on a bed he listened to the text read aloud. When asked what he heard he paused and responded, “Hmmmm. God’s feathers touch me. It’s like love”.
Oh, may we orient ourselves toward our Love.
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Johnson, Charles B. Sisters and Brothers
O’Connor, Sinead. “The Lion and the Cobra,” Oasis Studio, Camden, London. Ensign and Chrysalis. 1987.
Brueggeman, Walter. The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary. Minneapolis, MN. 1984. p.156
*The New Interpreter's Bible Vol. IV Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN. 2015. p.1048.