THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm serves as the foundation for the devil's temptation of our Lord Jesus Christ. We should remain vigilant with it, equipping ourselves to withstand the tempter, relying not on our own strength but on Him who faced temptation before us, so we are not defeated when challenges arise. Christ did not require temptation for His own sake; rather, His experiences provide us with the means to grow. By reflecting on His responses to the devil, we can learn to answer similarly when we are tested, thereby entering through the gate referred to in the Gospel. To enter by the gate signifies following Christ, who identified Himself as 'the door' (John 10:7), and doing so entails emulating His actions.
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He invites us to mirror Him in the trials He faced in His humanity; without having become man, how could He have borne suffering and endured humiliation through death on the cross? Therefore, when you encounter the hardships this world presents—whether inflicted overtly by the devil through others or subtly as in the case of Job—remain steadfast and patient. Under the shelter of the Most High, as expressed in this psalm, you will find refuge. If you stray from this divine protection, having no strength of your own, you will stumble.
Many exhibit bravery when they face persecution from people, believing that their anger gives them a semblance of Christ's sufferings. But if they are assaulted by the devil in hidden ways, they feel unworthy of Christ’s crown. Do not fear to follow Christ's example. When the enemy confronted our Lord in the wilderness, there were no other humans present; the temptation was subtle, yet He triumphed, even against open attacks. So when the enemy secretly attacks you, urging others to harm you through illness or affliction, remember that like Job, you may not see the devil, but you can recognize God’s power over him. The devil can exercise influence only if permitted by the Almighty.
Thus, anyone who emulates Christ and endures life's afflictions while placing hope in God will not be ensnared by fear. Such a person dwells under the shadow of the Almighty, as Psalm 90:1 states. When we reach that blessed state, you will recognize the tempting words the devil used against our Lord. “He shall say unto the Lord, Thou art my refuge and my fortress: my God” (Psalm 90:2). Who makes this declaration to the Lord? It is the one who remains under the protection of the Most High rather than trusting in his own strength—a fate that befalls those who sought to elevate themselves, akin to those in the Garden who desired to be like gods and lost their original immortality.
You too shall declare, “In Him I trust, for He shall deliver me” (Psalm 90:3), affirming that our trust must rest solely in God and not in man. From what does He deliver you? From the hunter's snare and harmful words. Liberation from the hunter's trap is indeed a significant blessing, but think of the dangers from negative speech. Many have fallen into the hunter's snare because of harsh words. The devil and his agents lay traps similarly to hunters, but those who walk in Christ are shielded from these snares, for he will not set them in Christ’s path.
Consider the threat of derogatory remarks. Many who profess their faith among the Gentiles face scorn, and they feel shame upon hearing insults, causing them to stray from their path and fall into the hunters’ traps. Yet, what harm can a harsh word truly inflict on you? Such reproaches from the enemy are powerless. Hunters often set their traps near the hedge, throwing stones without harming the birds. Likewise, men are ensnared by the fear of groundless slander, caught in traps set by the devil. Even among Christians, those who desire to act more virtuously than others often endure insults from fellow believers.
What, then, my brother, if you find yourself in a place without Gentiles? There may be no insults for being a Christian, but beware of the many Christians living immorally. Among such people, if some strive to be virtuous among the drunken or pursue holiness amid impurity, they too shall face harsh words and ridicule when accused of being too pious. They insult him from every side, and if he turns away from the way of Christ due to fear, he will fall into snares laid for the weak.
What is his response to these taunts? When reproached, he should maintain his resolve. He must ask himself, “What do these words mean for me, a servant and sinner?” Consider how it was said of our Lord, “There is a demon in you” (John 8:48). Harsh words were spoken against Him, yet He bore them not out of necessity but to caution you against falling into the hunters' traps. He will protect you beneath His wings, as stated in Psalm 90:4. This assures that your strength does not come from within but relies on His deliverance from snares and harmful speech.
The metaphor of protection is illustrated by being "between His shoulders," interpreting His wings to signify the divine safeguarding surrounding you, ensuring you have nothing to fear when you stay close. Like a hen protecting her chicks, you are secured under God’s wings—especially from strong adversaries who seek to snatch away the weak. We see this connection in Christ, who lamented over Jerusalem, wishing to gather her children (Matthew 23:37). While other birds may appear indifferent to their young, the hen’s love vividly exhibits her commitment to her brood—an analogy for how God, driven by love, took on human weakness so we might find hope under His wings.
“To protect you with His truth,” Psalm 90:5 states, meaning His faithfulness serves as your shield. Though figurative, these expressions illustrate that God distinguishes between those who rely solely on themselves and those who place their trust in Him. Both may sin, yet the one who is arrogant and dismissive of his iniquities is vastly different from the one who humbly acknowledges his sinfulness before the Almighty. The truth of God highlights such distinctions: it separates the repentant from the prideful.
In times of trouble, you need not fear the deadly peril of night (Psalm 90:6) nor the threats of the day. In ignorance, one might sin in darkness, while those who act with full consciousness of their actions sin in broad daylight. The former set of sins may weigh less heavily than the latter, yet any temptation presents its own trials. When ignorance leads to despair or fear, the truly faithful remember that God’s promises transcend this life. For those who heed to these trials and remain steadfast, the assaults of the enemy may seem overwhelming, yet they should not yield.
When faced with severe trials, do not falter; the intensity of persecution at noon signifies extreme trial and testing. This is reminiscent of the sun scorching the unrooted (Matthew 13:6)—pertaining to those who interact with fierce challenges but lack the grounding in faith. As widespread as persecution may become, count those who succumb due to fear, remembering that the true power lies in faith and God’s protection.
So, even if a thousand falls at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, Psalm 90:7 assures us they shall not come near you, highlighting the promise of divine safeguarding in Christ. It reminds us that together, both Head and Body—Christ and the Church—are inseparable from one another, ensuring the faithful do not stumble.
When the faithful remain rooted in Christ, they see the reward of the unfaithful (Psalm 90:8). They will not escape judgment for their actions since the wicked shall ultimately face eternal consequences. Although they may enjoy temporary triumphs—even over the righteous—their fate will not go unpunished. Therefore, keep your eyes trained on the promise of life beyond this existence—the hope of eternal unity with God is unyielding.
"O Lord, You are my hope” (Psalm 90:9)—a declaration of faith that builds confidence against all opposition. His dwelling is our refuge, one that is elevated above mortal peril. The sanctuary He has built is our stronghold amid trials, where no affliction can reach.
The Church represents the Holy City, spanning generations and extending from Abel to the end of time. As the body of Christ, she coexists with angels who accompany us through our earthly journey. While we labor here, we rely on the Scriptures as our guidance, leading us toward righteousness. The essence of Christ guides us—the Creator who simultaneously builds and renews.
Consider, too, the implications of the psalm regarding our Lord: His angels are charged to protect Him (Psalm 90:11). This fortifies His presence among us, especially in our solidarity with His mission on earth. Our Lord exemplified humility through baptism, followed by the temptations He faced, which were no less real for being profound.
He endured hunger, inviting the great test from the tempter who sought to refute His divinity by suggesting He create bread from stones. Yet He taught us to depend not solely on physical sustenance (Matthew 4:3-4), but rather on the Word of God—the true source of life.
When your faith faces temptation, remember how to respond as Christ did. Through His trials, He teaches us how to withstand the adversary, continually pointing us back to God’s promises.
As you traverse life, know indeed that the Lord assures your safe passage, like the support of angels carrying you. His ministry does not imply weakness but serves to show His majesty and divine honor. We see the culmination of His plan on earth through those who embody His teachings today, not scattered by fear but bold in faith, confident in His eternal deliverance.
Moreover, “You shall tread upon the lion and the serpent” (Psalm 90:13)—a testament to your victory over Great Evil through faith. The challenges before you—symbolized by the lion and the dragon—represent different aspects of spiritual warfare. The lion's ferocity signals open opposition, whereas the dragon embodies deceitful schemes.
The Church emerges victorious over both when nurtured in faith and vigilance, recognizing that although physical challenges abound, it is the call to purity of heart that truly matters. The faithful, regardless of their earthly state, find their strength in God, ultimately victorious through His power.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him” (Psalm 90:14)—a commitment from the Lord that echoes throughout the lives of believers enduring trials.
Do not fear moments of trouble, for the presence of the Lord envelops you even amid such trials. Unlike transient rescue, rely on His unyielding faithfulness and eternal promise. As you strive toward faith and trust in His provision, hold fast to the promise of glorification to come and eternal satisfaction that extends beyond worldly understanding.
Embrace the lengths of eternal life and seek the ultimate reward of seeing our Lord face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12), the culmination of every faithful labor. Remember, however, that even as we live amidst trials, our reward is in seeing Him and becoming like Him, as the fragrance He brought into the world continues to invigorate our faith and hope. Pursue this heavenly vision, letting your heart and thoughts rise above earthly distractions, for where your true treasure lies, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21).