A Solution For Terror

Psalm 91:1-6

1Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2This I declare of the LORD:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I am trusting him.

3For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from the fatal plague.

4He will shield you with his wings.

He will shelter you with his feathers.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor fear the dangers of the day,

6nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Terrorism has been a disconcerting reality of life recently—Oklahoma City, the World Trade Center, the Unabomber. Terrorists have various causes, but they share a common weapon—fear. If you can get people worried about taking a bus, going to the market, or even opening their mail, then you’ve dismantled the normal systems of life. You don’t need an army to support your cause—just terror.

All the media’s frightening coverage about the food we eat, the fluoride in our water, and global warming makes us want to just stay home—but then there’s probably radon gas building up in our house right now!

But the psalmist offers us a better response: Rest secure in God. Let him protect you. The terrors of the night, the dangers of the day—none of these are too great for the Lord Almighty. Trust him to get you through.

That sounds great, but weren’t there any Christians who died in, say, the Oklahoma City bombing? Sure there were. But the people of God have a greater, eternal security. We know that death will just give us a new address even closer to God than we are now. With the apostle Paul, we say, “For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:21). With this assurance, we need not be terrified by anything or anyone. God is with us, and we are safe in him, no matter what happens. We are safe forever in his protective care.

Under His wings I am safely abiding;

Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,

Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me;

He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

WILLIAM O. CUSHING

A Word on Words

The first two verses use four names for God. “Most High” implies a status beyond the gods of any enemy. “The Almighty” emphasizes God’s great power to protect his people (see Exodus 6:3). “The LORD” is the personal name Yahweh, the God who had chosen Israel. “My God” shows the intimate nature of the psalmist’s relationship with him. Combined, these names for God give us a picture of ultimate protection.

Notable Quotable

“The Lord is our refuge for safety, our fortress for defense, and our God for everything.”

W. GRAHAM SCROGGIE