Turning to God’s Word during the Holidays (Psalm 91)

***I originally posted this last year and read Psalm 91 every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was wonderful, and some of our readers joined in. I’m reposting this today because I am once again spending a lot of time in Psalm 91 this year and praying it’s promises over our nation and our leaders. It has given me so much peace to know that God is in control.***

Original post:

Our son, Matthew, has had something really difficult and strange in the last few years of his life: unexplained hives. And despite elimination diets,  changing laundry detergents, and blood work, we have yet to determine the cause of his hives. 

This summer, at one of his specialist appointments, doctor told me that he see the largest cases of new hives during the holidays. He said that he thinks that people put so much pressure on themselves to prepare the perfect dinner, give the best gifts, and squish in as many activities as possible that the stress leads to hives. I guess I’d have to say that I’m not completely surprised.  

But this phenomenon makes me so sad! Holidays are meant to help us remember God’s faithfulness and goodness. Did you know that Thanksgiving was instituted by Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War to help people focus their thoughts on what they had for which to be thankful, even during a most dismal time. And of course we know that Christmas is the celebration of the coming of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. 

Ephesians 2:14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 

This week, I’ve been reading and meditating on Psalm 91, and although its not traditionally a passage that we think about when it comes to the holidays, it offers so much comfort, strength, and fortitude. Let’s look at a few verses together. 

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.”

Did you catch some of those powerful words that tell us about our God? He is our refuge and our fortress. I can trust Him and dwell in his shadow. 

Let’s now look at the end of the chapter, verses 14-16.

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will rescue him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him 

and show him salvation.

This portion tells us that God answers us when we call, he with us, he protects us, and he most importantly offers salvation. And salvation is really, truly the thing that matters most. You can read more about that here. 

A Relationship with God

So this year during the holidays, I’m going to keep meditating on this comforting Psalm. I hope to focus my thoughts of my loving, strong God and not get caught up in the stress and flurry that surrounds me. I think I’ll make it a goal to read  Psalm 91 once a day until Christmas. Join me? 

Click here to see our family’s favorite Thanksgiving books. What are yours? 

Click here to read about our family’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition- Our Thanksgiving Tree.