March 7, 2019
by Jodie Ihfe

Read Psalm 91 (included below) 

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.” (Psalm 91:1-2) 
When I hear the words “Mom is base” I know that my kids are engaged in an intense round of tag. Often they will designate a chair or tree or some other inanimate object as “base,” but when the game gets serious, they want me to be base. They want me to be their safe place where they are safe from the danger of being tagged. They wrap their arms around my legs trusting that in my presence they will have safety and comfort, and I wrap my arms around their shoulders embracing them. My children’s absolute trust in me is powerful and moving, encouraging me to trust in the Lord with that same confidence.  
The words of Psalm 91 remind us that God is our refuge, our safe place, our base.  We can trust in the Lord, finding rest and peace in the presence of God.  When we make the Lord our dwelling place, our home, God protects us, embracing us and holding us close. During this season of Lent, may we trust the Lord with childlike abandon, and rest in the shelter of Most High. 

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 (NRSV) 

¹ You who live in the shelter of the Most High, 
    who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 
²  will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; 
    my God, in whom I trust.” 
⁹ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, 
    the Most High your dwelling place, 
¹⁰  no evil shall befall you, 
    no scourge come near your tent. 
¹¹  For he will command his angels concerning you 
    to guard you in all your ways. 
¹²  On their hands they will bear you up, 
    so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the adder, 
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. 
¹⁴ Those who love me, I will deliver; 
    I will protect those who know my name. 
¹⁵ When they call to me, I will answer them; 
    I will be with them in trouble, 
    I will rescue them and honor them. 
¹⁶  With long life I will satisfy them, 
    and show them my salvation. a