Listen

Because you’ve made the Lord my refuge, the Most High, your place of residence— no evil will happen to you; no disease will come close to your tent. Because he will order his messengers to help you, to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you with their own hands so you don’t bruise your foot on a stone. You’ll march on top of lions and vipers; you’ll trample young lions and serpents underfoot.

God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name. Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer. I’ll be with you in troubling times. I’ll save you and glorify you. I’ll fill you full with old age. I’ll show you my salvation.”

Psalm 91:9-16

Think

When I worked as a hospital chaplain, I got to know a mother whose young son was very sick with brain cancer. Psalm 91 was her favorite, and she often asked me to read it aloud at his bedside.

It seemed to bring her great comfort, and I couldn’t understand why. Something evil had happened to her, and a terrible disease had come close to her. She and I both knew that her son was probably not going to live to an old age.

When I finally found the courage to ask her about it, her answer was very simple. She said, “God never promises us that we won’t get sick and die. Everyone dies. But God does promise never to leave us, and because of that, we don’t have to be afraid.”

I read Psalm 91 again, and I noticed different verses: “Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer. I’ll be with you in troubling times.” No matter what happens, God will never desert us, and so there is no reason to fear.

Catherine Healy

Pray

God, thank you for always staying with me no matter what happens. Protect me from harm, and answer when I cry out to you. Save me and glorify me, and show me your salvation. Amen.

Go

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you,

when the work you put in is realized,

let yourself feel the pride,

but always stay humble and kind.

from “Humble and Kind” by Lori McKenna (2015)