The central theme of Psalm 91 is the refuge God offers his people. It begins with a promise of rest for whoever dwells in God’s shelter (v.1). Rest and refuge belong together. When the threat of hostility abates because of the protection the Lord provides, a peace that transcends all understanding descends on us. Worldly worries ebb away as the joy of salvation floods our souls.

Such a peace can only come by a faith anchored in the utter trustworthiness of God. It’s also a peace that evokes a natural desire to speak of God’s goodness (v.2). He alone has the power to break the chains that bind us and crush the evil that pursues us (v. 3).

Wonderfully and very beautifully, the safety he offers is nothing less than his very self. In verse 4, it is his feathers he covers us with and his wings under which we are sheltered. He comes close and covers us with the unmatchable comfort of his kindness.

We know from the gospels that Satan used this Psalm to tempt Jesus in the wilderness. “If you truly are God’s Son and if God’s word is indeed trustworthy, then throw yourself off this building. We will know the truth of things then, won’t we? Psalm 91 says God will protect you from all harm.” (paraphrase of Matt 4:6).

Clearly, Satan saw this Psalm as speaking primarily about God’s anointed King. Ironically, he failed to include context. Because the very next verse in Psalm 91 tells how God would equip that King to crush the serpent’s head. In defying the devil’s lures, Jesus does just that. He defeats the great deceiver by appealing to the true meaning of Scripture! The word of God came to the Son of God to provide refuge from the enemy of God.

And so it is that the shelter under which we find ultimate protection is Christ: God himself who took on flesh, was tempted in every way and yet was without sin. As our great high priest who covers us with His own blood and who rose victorious over the world, the flesh and the devil, Jesus provides us perfect refuge and unending peace. As much as we might want a safe home in this world, there is no better place to dwell than in him by faith.