HELD BY THE GOD WHO STRENGTHENS

READ

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.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. -Psalm 91:1-4 (ESV)

REFLECT

Sometimes we face circumstances or life changes that are scary. This is especially true when it involves the unfamiliar or unknown. But God is with you. He goes before you and behind you, and you can find shelter in Him.

YULIA’S STORY

More than a decade ago, when Afghanistan was a hot zone for war, my husband's yearlong deployment became one of the greatest tests of faith I had ever faced. Every day brought new uncertainties, and every news report came with a sense of dread. Amid fear and helplessness, Psalm 91 became my anchor. This passage reminded me that God is my refuge and fortress, a constant protector even when everything feels fragile.

But Psalm 91 didn’t just sustain me; it carried my husband as well. When he was thousands of miles away, facing the unknowns of war, we both clung to the same promise, believing that God was watching over him and providing shelter beneath His wings. Though thousands of miles separated us, Psalm 91 kept us connected in faith, giving us the strength to endure.

This season of life also deepened relationships in ways I never expected. Deployment is difficult, not only for the one who leaves but also for the family left behind. The worry, long nights, and moments of fear could have pulled us apart. Instead, they brought us closer, even strengthening my relationship with my in-laws. We found common ground in prayer and trusting God together.

Then, just days before the deployment was scheduled to end, everything changed. It felt

like a war movie happening in real life. A devastating attack. A blackout. The eerie silence when service members couldn’t get online, and calls wouldn’t go through. The only thing I knew for sure was that something was terribly wrong. The blackout would only lift in one of two ways—either with my husband’s voice on the other end of the line or with the dreaded knock on the door that no military spouse ever wants to hear.

Thank God, our family was blessed that day, and my husband came home. God delivered my husband from the pestilence as we both rested in the shadow of the Almighty.

Where do you turn for refuge and strength?

RESPOND

Lord, You are so faithful. You are my refuge and fortress. When anxiety builds, and life is uncertain, remind me of Your continual presence. like a war movie happening in real life. A devastating attack. A blackout. The eerie silence when service members couldn’t get online, and calls wouldn’t go through. The only thing I knew for sure was that something was terribly wrong. The blackout would only lift in one of two ways—either with my husband’s voice on the other end of the line or with the dreaded knock on the door that no military spouse ever wants to hear. Thank God, our family was blessed that day, and my husband came home. God delivered my husband from the pestilence as we both rested in the shadow of the Almighty. Where do you turn for refuge and strength? Cover me with Your wings and remind me that You can shelter me and those I love, no matter how great the storm. Amen.

REVEAL

Do you know a military family or someone who is facing an uncertain or scary outcome? Share Psalm 91 with them today, and pray together, asking God for strength and shelter amid the storm.

Find Yulia’s story and other true accounts of life-changing lessons from God’s Word in Arnie Cole’s latest book, The Significant Difference!