With the season of Passover approaching (April 1-9, 2026), I wanted to share a devotion I wrote for my upcoming book Resting Under His Wings: Devotions from Psalm 91. I hope to have this book ready by my birthday in August 2026, so I would appreciate your prayers that I could meet that deadline. It will contain 91 daily devotions that are inspired by Psalm 91.
Below is one of the devotions from the book. I am sharing this one with you because it contains details that pertain to the Passover season. This is the time of year when Jewish people around the world celebrate how God brought them out of slavery in Egypt and into freedom. As Christians, this appointed time on God’s calendar reminds us that Jesus is the Passover lamb who brought us out of slavery as well. He died on the cross during Passover and took the sins of the world upon Himself. Because of His sacrifice, we can live in freedom from sin and death.
I hope you enjoy the devotion below and I look forward to when I can share the finalized book in August 2026….
Psalm 91
You Need Only Be Still
One morning I woke up suddenly after a restless night of sleep. I was groggy upon opening my eyes, but I could sense the Holy Spirit unveiling a clear message that resonated in my heart.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.” These are the words that came to mind over and over as I sat up in bed.
Immediately, I recognized those words from scripture, so I quickly did some research. This brought me to Exodus 14, which tells the story of the Israelites as they were being pursued by Pharaoh and his army. Though God had brought them out of slavery in Egypt, promising to completely deliver them from their enemies, the people began to panic. Exodus 14: 10-12 describes the scene.
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?’ It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
Up to this point the Israelites had seen the faithful hand of God move mountains for them. They were no longer the captives of Pharaoh, but the moment they fixed their eyes on the Egyptian army, they lost sight of the miracles God had already performed. Their faith became overwhelmed by fear, causing them to desire slavery again instead of the freedom God offered.
This is when Moses delivered a powerful message to the people. Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still, Exodus 14:13-14.
In this situation, Moses told the people that they must surrender all control to God. Instead of focusing on their own weakness and fear, they must trust the Lord to intervene and deliver them from their enemies. Instead of striving and panicking, they must allow God to act, and firmly believe in His promise.
After Moses encouraged the people, he acted in faith by raising his staff and stretching his hand over the sea. Miraculously, the water parted for Moses and the Israelites, allowing them to escape Pharaoh’s army. All of the Egyptians who had pursued them were killed. Thus, God did exactly what He promised. He protected and delivered His people.
As I meditated on what this passage of scripture meant, I realized that I’d been doing many of the same things as the Israelites. Instead of letting God act, I was taking matters into my own hands. This led to anxiety, panic, and ultimately bad decisions. I had been focusing on Pharaoh and his army rather than the mighty hand of God. Even though I had seen miracles in the past, I was taking myself back to Egypt where I lived in bondage and fear.
Psalm 91 reminds us that God is always in control. He has every issue covered. Whether it’s a health problem, dangerous circumstances, overwhelming obstacles, or frightening encounters, He’s on your side. Each day we need to remind ourselves that we are under the covering of Jesus’ mighty wings. Our lives will be filled with His peace if we stay under this umbrella of protection.
What things in your life are causing great anxiety, fear, and even anguish? Are you being still when it comes to those issues, or are you doing things your own way? Are you focusing on God’s power, or Pharaoh’s threats? I encourage you to examine these questions thoughtfully.
The truth is that God parted the Red Sea, but the Israelites had to act in faith. Going back to Egypt was not an option. God will part the Red Sea for you, but it’s important that you let Him have complete control of the situation. This doesn’t mean that you sit around and twiddle your thumbs. It means that you seek the Lord in prayer, asking for his discernment in the matter. It means that you kick anxiety and fear to the curb, even if you see an army approaching. God will direct you, but you must be willing to submit to His plans rather than your own. Be still, listen, and obey as you thrive in the shelter of the Most High.
Verse to Dwell On
That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant, Exodus 14:30-31.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to focus on Your presence rather than the army that pursues me. Help me to understand what it means to “be still,” rather than doing things in my own strength. I know that You are working all things together for my good and at some point, You will part the Red Sea. Give me discernment, wisdom, and direction as I cross out of slavery and into freedom. I give all praise to You Lord, for You are my deliverer and healer. You are my Psalm 91.
