THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm serves as a reminder of the way the adversary dared to tempt our Lord Jesus Christ, urging us to remain vigilant. By equipping ourselves with this understanding, we can effectively withstand the tempter—not relying on our own strength, but on Him who faced temptation ahead of us, so that we may not falter when we encounter trials ourselves. Christ did not require temptation for His sake; rather, His temptations serve to instruct us. By studying His responses to the devil, we learn how to respond similarly during our own trials. This reflection allows us to enter through the gate that the Gospel speaks of, which signifies access through Christ, who declared, “I am the door” (John 10:7). Crossing through this gate involves emulating His actions, particularly in the aspects of His humanity—how could He have carried the weight of suffering if He had not become flesh? How could He have faced death, borne on the cross, if He had not taken human form?
As you endure the hardships of this world that often arise from the devil’s influence through others or in silent deception, persist with courage and patience. You shall find refuge under the shelter of the Most High, as this psalm declares, for if you stray from His protection, your vulnerability will lead to your downfall. Many exhibit bravery when openly confronted with suffering from others, mistakenly believing they bear Christ’s sufferings. Yet, when faced with the more covert attacks of the devil, they may despair, thinking they lack the Lord’s grace. Fear not when you imitate Christ. For during His temptation in the wilderness, no one was present; the devil attacked Him in secret, and yet He triumphed, both in secret and when openly confronted.
Therefore, when the enemy strikes covertly, even urging harm upon you via physical afflictions, remember the example of Job. He could not perceive the devil but recognized the power of God, knowing that the adversary could hold no sway over him except by God's permission. While he gave all glory to God, he did not concede power to the devil.
Thus, the one who faithfully imitates Christ by enduring the trials of this life, placing their trust in God, shall avoid being ensnared. This individual is shielded under the protection of the Most High, as underscored in Psalm 90:1—the verse that opens this beloved Psalm. When we contemplate its opening lines that the devil twisted to tempt our Lord, we see, "Thou art my refuge and my fortress: my God" (Psalm 90:2)—these words resonate from the one who abides under the shadow of the Almighty, not relying on personal strength. Unlike those who sought knowledge apart from God and lost their inherent immortality, those who trust in the Lord are secure.
Consequently, you too can declare, "In Him I trust" (Psalm 90:3)—for He is the one who will deliver you, not your own efforts. Consider what it means when it promises protection from the hunter's snare and from slanderous words. Being liberated from the hunter’s net is undoubtedly a significant blessing; but what about freedom from disparaging remarks? Many have succumbed to the hunter’s trap due to hurtful words.
The devil and his minions cast their nets as hunters do, but those who walk with Christ are shielded from these snares—though the devil does not dare ensnare them where they tread, he positions traps along the path, hoping to ensnare the unwary. Ensure your journey reflects Christ's path to evade the devil's traps.
And what of harsh words? The devil ensnares many through unkind speech. Those who profess Christ among outsiders often endure ridicule, feeling shame when subjected to insults. However, what can such slander inflict upon you? Might not the nets laid by the enemy through words only cause a harmless fright? It's common for hunters to stretch nets at the corners of their paths for birds, as tossing stones into the same hedge does not capture them. Yet birds are often ensnared not by true danger but by fear of the discordant sounds. Similarly, individuals consumed with worry over unfounded reproaches can become entangled in the enemy’s snares—just as when a Christian fears the derision of non-believers, falling prey to the enemy’s traps.
The challenge lies for believers, too; those who strive for superior diligence and holiness often endure scorn from fellow Christians, not merely non-believers. What value, then, if you find no non-believers around? While it might be that no outside scorn exists, many who live unrighteous lives surround the righteous, heaping their condemnation. They seek to live faithfully amidst wrongful actions, yet they too confront derision, receiving harsh rebukes even as they commit solely to their worship in church, enduring contempt from fellow believers.
When one bears up under such derision, mindful of arrows of reproach aimed at the faithful, they should remain resolute; upon hearing slanders, they should remember the words of Jesus: some accused Him saying, "Thou hast a devil" (John 8:48). Harsh words spoken toward our Lord illustrate that even though these insults carried no necessity for Him to tolerate them, He did so to instruct you against falling into the snares of those who bring forth misgivings.
In the midst of such trials, the Lord will shelter you "between His shoulders," and you will find refuge "under His wings" (Psalm 90:4). This imagery suggests that your strength should not come from self-reliance, lest you mistakenly think you can uphold yourself. He will deliver you from the hunter's snare and from heavy words that inflict pain. The notion of being sheltered "between His shoulders" can be understood in both a forward and backward light—His shoulders surround your head, while being “hope under His wings” clearly indicates that God’s extensive protection encompasses you entirely, ensuring you remain unafraid from harm.
If a hen can protect her chicks under her wings, how much greater is the safety found in God’s wings, guarding you against the schemes of the devil and his cohorts—forces that swoop down like falcons, seeking to harm the weak? Such a comparison between a hen and God's wisdom holds depth, as even Christ likened Himself to a hen, yearning to gather His children (Matthew 23:37) as they rejected Him. Through the various feathered creatures that tend to their nestlings, none exhibit the same empathic care, as the hen does. It is evident by her soft clucks and protective posture that she is dedicated to her brood’s safety—her very demeanor transforms by this love. So, too, did God, in His love for us, choose weakness when the Word became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:14), that we may find hope beneath His wings.
"His truth shall be thy shield" (Psalm 90:5)—yet do wings and shields inherently exist as one? If both were to be taken literally, how could they reconcile? The figurative language throughout the scriptures serves as profound symbols; for if Christ were simply a stone (Acts 4:10-11) or a lion (Revelation 5:5), He could not also embody the lamb. Despite how He was recognized through such metaphors—whether as a lion, lamb, or stone—He is ultimately Jesus Christ, our Savior, and the descriptors serve as parallels to His nature.
When it is said that God's truth is your shield, it emphasizes that those who trust in self-reliance are set apart from those who place their reliance wholly upon God. Both are flawed beings—sinners; however, one carries a presumption that does not admit to sin, believing their continued existence pleases God, while the other humbles himself, afraid to lift his gaze, acknowledging God's mercy (Luke 18:13).
“No terror shall you fear by night” nor “the arrow that flies by day” nor the plague that roams at noon (Psalm 90:6)—a reiteration underscoring both the perils at night and day. When one sins unknowingly, it is akin to an action performed in the darkness; but to willfully transgress is akin to midday sinning, whereby the former carries less weight than the latter. God’s mercy shines through as we confront all forms of temptation—not all lure is the same.
Do you understand the figurative categorization of such pressures? The slight temptations that challenge, which the unaware can sometimes yield to, may be described as nocturnal terrors; while those that weigh more heavily on the knowledgeable believer, we can define as arrows in daylight. Even mild temptations do present themselves; they do not barge in forcefully and captivate entirely unless one permits. Should the oppressor threaten and instill fear upon unstable believers, they may falsely assume Jesus has abandoned them, losing sight of their identity in Christ, who calls them to endure and look forward, forsaking the temptation to stray caught in torment.
Yet the heat of persecution burns ardent, emphasizing an attitude of resilience. The psalmist observes “a demon at noon,” characterizing this heat of fierce trial when the adversary rears his head strongest. Consider when the Roman rulers believed they could extirpate the Christian faith through fierce measures, decreeing punishment for any who affirmed their faith. For those who did not wish to suffer, the act of denial was a grave sin—herein, the arrows of hostility struck true for many. But for those with steadfast faith, confessions were liberating!
The trials here reflect that persecution reaches fever pitch; the adversary’s heat may blind some into denial—yet it’s known throughout history that many fervently witnessed to their faith, receiving their martyrdom in triumph, despite their physical suffering. The line of steadfast Christians who confided in Christ speaks to a high calling, as only through suffering do they secure a rightful place next to Him amidst the trials of the world.
With countless numbers then yielding to the aggressor, indeed, as the psalm reminds, "A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come near thee" (Psalm 90:7)—to whom is this proclaimed? The phrase resonates with Christ as both the head and body, united. The sheep who are thus saved will observe thousands falling, while those united in His Spirit remain intact through trials.
Knowing the Church, as the body of Christ, faces an adversary in fierce persecution, though many waver under the pressures—yet that violence must be met with trust. Despite those who falter, many more shall rise, unshaken as they have been imbued with the promise of victory in Christ. It stands that though innumerable liefalls around them, not a single one shall close in upon them. To you who remain in Him, the Lord shall provide safety among trials; knowing full well who His are.
Remember that the Lord holds true, as expressed, “With your eyes, you shall see the reward of the wicked” (Psalm 90:8)—how is it that wickedness is permitted to persist? Yet, divine justice ensures that though they may temporarily reign over the faithful, they shall reap what they have sown. The righteous, even amidst trial, watching the ungodly seemingly prosper, will ultimately know that lasting consequences lie ahead for the wicked who fail to turn from their ways. For such is the nature of eternal judgment—their time shall pass, replaced with eternal anguish.
For "Thou, O Lord, art my hope" (Psalm 90:9)—we perceive the salvation that grounds us, underscored in this assurance. The will of God raises the echelons of refuge beyond earthly safety; while transient trials may pose as threats, true solace resides in the divine promises manifest through grace, where “no evil shall befall thee and no plague come near thy dwelling” (Psalm 90:10).
The Holy City signified here reflects not merely a singular locale but encompasses the universal Church through all connections of believers—from the bygone eras of saints through to the end of days. Thus, the community of God's people echoes unbroken. This assembly is bound by Christ, the head, alongside all angels who dwell within, awaiting our reconciliation with Him.