God has highlighted Psalm 91 as a kind of operating psalm for me this year.

It was known to the Israelites as a “refuge psalm” and seems to offer lofty promises of ironclad protection from disaster and harm, quoted by both Jesus and his adversary at different times in the Gospels. But what sticks out to me more (thanks to wise study guides that take into account the whole counsel of Scripture) is the condition for God’s refuge.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (v. 1)

Meaning…those who don’t dwell there might not find rest, protection, courage, or any of the other promises that cascade through the Psalm.

“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.” (v. 9)

Meaning…those who neglect to make the Lord their refuge may well find themselves looking up tent repairmen.

I’m not a prosperity guy. Nobody gets through this life unscathed or without troubles. Jesus didn’t. It’s worth noting that the Psalms are directly preceded by Job.

Nor am I a believer in the idea of a divine exacting cruelty. God in his sovereignty often provides even when we stumble.

Nevertheless, the Psalm is not saying nothing. The writer seems to emphasize a condition necessary for the many promises of God here – deliverance, rescue, communion with him, honor, long life.

And we all know that it is easy to make things other than God our refuge. Idols. Substances. Busyness. Unhealthy thought patterns. You name it. I can testify for myself that I have made things other than God my refuge.

But as I get older, I learn what that looks like. How can I make God my refuge? It would seem a pretty obvious and simple strategy.

It’s not.

Making God your refuge means trusting His plan. It means worshiping through tears and confusion. It means seeking His guidance instead of just jumping in with our own ideas. Obedience to even the hardest commands. Submitting your desires and emotions to him. Examining your thought life and finding what comforts more than God (and what can be taken away). Omit any of these and your refuge is incomplete.

I’ve found the Psalm to be trustworthy. More and more dropping shoes dodged, more emotional freedom, more trust.

Enough shifting sand. Let us seek refuge in the only place it is truly found.