This is a psalm about abundance. It begins by describing the extent of humanity’s sinfulness. ‘Even on their beds they plot evil’ (v 4). Do they never stop for a minute?! But then in contrast, it describes the boundlessness of God’s goodness. His love reaches to the heavens; his justice is as deep as the ocean (vs 5,6). 

At the end of 2020, scientists exploring the bed of the Atlantic discovered a dozen previously unknown species of sea life. God had made these creatures on the fifth day of creation, knowing that we wouldn’t find them until thousands of years later. Isn’t that incredible? Vast as it is, though, creation is finite – it is possible for humans to see everything. But God, his attributes, his character and his gifts are infinite. We could swim in the depths of his justice for eternity and never find its limits.

More unfathomable still, this infinite, creative, holy God wants to share his goodness with us. One day we will join him in a feast, as Christ is at last united with his bride, the church (Revelation 19:6–9), but until then we can feast on his Word and his sustaining power, and drink from his ‘river of delights’ (v 8).

Reveal to me, Lord, the real horror of what it means to rebel against you. Then point me to your amazing love and faithfulness. Amen.

David describes himself here as the servant of the Lord. Like many in God’s service, he is deeply aware of the frailty of human nature and the awfulness of sin. God has spoken to him about this (vs 1–4), revealing the rebellion in the hearts of the godless. Perhaps he had been disappointed by some trusted friend¹ or shocked by the extent of wickedness in unbelievers. If you know how he must have felt because of your own circumstances, notice how he deals with this insight. He turns to God in praise of the Lord’s amazing attributes and actions. He contrasts what has depressed him about human nature with what thrills him about the divine character. His eyes are on God.

Instead of staying focused on the cesspit around him, David chooses to bathe in the fountain of life and walk in God’s light (v 9). He extols the attributes of God – his love, faithfulness, righteousness and justice – celebrating all that is good in the God he adores. Like the writer of Lamentations, he looks away from the devastation that he sees in the human condition and declares by faith, ‘great is your faithfulness’.² He goes further, too. God’s attributes demand a response from his children. High and low can find refuge under the shadow of his wings (v 7). The same is true for us today, finding shelter in that place that symbolises intimacy and care.³ Feasting in God’s house and drinking from his river of delights is how David pictures fellowship with the Lord. Then he prays for protection against the attacks of his enemies (v 11). At the end, the contrast with the fate of the wicked is stark (v 12). They have no one to help them up when fallen. I know which side I would prefer to be on!

Read Psalm 91:1–4 and picture God’s wings overshadowing you today. Draw near to him and praise him for his attributes and actions too. 

¹ Ps 41:9  ² Lam 3:23  ³ Ps 91:4