| Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 |
| 1You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” 9Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, 10no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. 11For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 13You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. 14Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. 15When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them. 16With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation. |
| As a retired pastor/chaplain, pastoral care was an important role. I walked with many after the death of a loved one. At times death was traumatic and life changing. Being present with the family whose 18 year old son wrapped his motorcycle around a tree. Death also felt like a blessing for the 99-year old mother who died after years of dementia. Psalm 91 is a Wisdom psalm reminding us of God’s protection and assurance. You may be familiar with verses of the popular hymn written by Michael Joncas, “On Eagles Wings.” It was inspired after the sudden death of a friend’s father from a heart attack. The psalm reminds us that God is always with us. God is our refuge, our fortress. Just a few weeks ago, I watched as the news unfolded after the Delta Flight crash in Toronto. I sat pondering what were the passengers thinking, feeling? Were they praying? I could only imagine the overwhelming fear. Maybe some were comforted by: “For he will command his angels to guard you.” “When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them….” In this season of Lent may we be comforted by our God who never abandons us. Prayer: As the cold winter winds blow, hold us close and give us the strength to trust in your words of life and salvation. Amen. —Mike Carlson |