Assurance

Assurance

During this season of Lent we are called to reflect on our lives, what we have done and what we have left undone.  This can be hard work--tiring, draining, even isolating.  As we consider our sins, and we all have committed them, we can begin to wonder what God would want to have to do with us.  Psalm 91, today's appointed lectionary reading from the Psalter, offers comfort and assurance that come what may, the Lord will be with you, with me, with us all.  Though we'll read responsively verses 1-2 and 9-16 of this text at worship today, I invite and encourage you to read these words on your own, to meditate on them, to take them into your heart, and to let them enter into your soul.

Psalm 91

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.

A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge,
   the Most High your dwelling-place,
no evil shall befall you,
   no scourge come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
   so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder,
   the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

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 honour them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
   and show them my salvation.

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