Day 5
by Rev. David Hett on October 14, 2021
Day 22
October 31, 2021
Devotion: October 14
Rev. David Hett
Psalm 91:9-16
Psalm 91: 9-16 is the model early Christian Gospel writers, like the author of Mark (1:12-13) used to describe Jesus’ immediate movement into the wilderness following his baptism. Mark’s Gospel keeps it brief:
12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
When we are in a wilderness period, perhaps even more so when we enter this time of uncertainty and not-knowing willingly, the Divine is still your “refuge,” “the Most High your dwelling place” (Ps 91:9). We can feel held, and protected, even in times where we feel lost. Jesus’ wilderness story describes the reality of God’s angelic protectors, “bearing you up, so that you will not even dash your foot against a stone.” Moreover, it implies that the wild beasts serve as guides. Ponder that for a few moments.
And the wilderness itself, as the ancient Native American poem restored by David Waggoner says, knows where you are:
Stand still.
The trees ahead and the bushes beside you
Are not lost.
Wherever you are is called Here…
The Holy One is your dwelling place, your true Home.
