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Dear SVBC family: This Sunday, I will be preaching on Psalm 91. But I also want to share with you some encouragement from this passage every day leading up to the actual message.

So today, let’s focus on Psalm 91:1-2

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’”

The Psalmist begins by declaring his own faith. He makes a broad claim about the protective ability of the Lord. He speaks about “dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and living in the shadow of the Almighty.” To dwell in someone’s shelter or to live in their shadow means you have to be pretty close to them. This Psalm encourages us to stay close to the Lord.

Notice the Psalmist also declares His personal faith. The Lord is “My refuge; My fortress; M;y God.” That’s a great reminder. We not only relate to God. He is our refuge, our fortress and our God.

The Psalmist gives us four names or titles for God in these 2 verses – “Most High; Almighty; Lord; God.” He also provides 4 images of protection – “Shelter; Shadow; Refuge; Fortress.”

So wherever you are at today with respect to COVID-19 or in your personal life – remember the Lord is your refuge; your fortress, your God. You can call out to the Most High; Almighty; Lord; God. He is your shelter, shadow, refuge and fortress.

“O LORD, God, Almighty; Most High – Thank you for reminding us in your word that you are our refuge and fortress. Today, give us strength to overcome our fear by going forward in courage because of you. We ask for your sheltering, shadowing refuge and fortress. Thank you that we can rest in your presence. We give our fears and worries to you and trust you to provide for all we need this day. We ask for your protection for our loved ones and one another during this pandemic. We ask for strength for front line workers. We ask for your healing and helping touch for those infected with the virus and their families. Thank you, our refuge; our fortress; our God.”