Psalm 91 - Resting In The Shadow Of The Almighty
Thursday, November 8, 2007 by fikalo
I have been battling an ongoing illness for several months now. During this time, Psalm 91 has been of great comfort to me. I thought I would share some of it with you!
Psalm 91:1-8
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. (NIV)
It is one of those Scriptures where it has been beneficial to learn the meanings of some of the terms used in the translation:
rampart - A fortification consisting of an embankment, often with a parapet built on top; a means of protection or defense; a bulwark. (bulwark - a wall of earth or other material built for defense; rampart.)
fowler - a hunter of birds.
snare - anything serving to entrap or entangle unawares; trap.
pestilence - a deadly or virulent epidemic disease; something that is considered harmful, destructive, or evil.
* the illness in question is related to severe allergies that has really intensified in recent months. While in previous years I have had sensitivities, they have not been as frequent or severe as the latest series of sudden allergic reactions I’ve experienced this year. Among the symptoms are anaphylaxis-type reactions (facial swelling, difficulty breathing) and head-to-toe urticaria (hives). It is very frustrating, especially as the exact causes have not yet been identified.
Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier. I’ve enjoyed your blog here and the Creation artwork series - keep it up!
Thank you for dropping by!
re: Responses to Psalm 91
could your illness be related to anxiety issues??
blessings
Interesting question. I will be seeing a specialist in early 2008 to be diagnosed. In the meantime, the particular problems I’m having (severe and potentially life threatening allergic reactions), are very common in my part of the world - so much so that many people who move here will develop a serious allergic condition even if it’s never been an issue before; and the doctor tells me that on a world scale, it’s known as an allergies hot spot.
I grew up always sensitive to allergens, but in the last 2 years that I’ve lived in this region (I’m previously from rural Australia), my condition has become very serious very quickly.
So, my guess is that it’s environmental… because I suffer less from anxiety problems these days than I did as a teenager/early 20-something.
PS - anxiety does seem to aggravate the condition!