Safety in the Shadow of the Lord

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants answer:

"Have you ever seen someone express joy or confidence in a difficult situation? What did that spark in you—hope, skepticism, encouragement?"

Facilitator note: Invite participants to reflect at a level that feels comfortable. This question can be answered from observation or experience. The goal is to open reflection on what praise looks like when life is uncertain.

Group Dialogue (30 minutes), Read Psalm 91:1–6, 14–16.

Facilitator note: Consider having two readers: one person reads verses 1–6, and another reads verses 14-16.

Discussion:

Facilitator tips: Let the conversation breathe. Don’t rush to fill the silence – trust that the Spirit is at work. It’s okay if not all questions are answered. Allow about five minutes for each of the earlier questions. Give extra space to the final question, which may invite personal reflection or insight. The bullet points under each question offer sample responses or perspectives to help guide discussion. They are not meant to be read aloud with the question but can be used to spark deeper reflection, reassure quieter participants, or help refocus the group, if needed. These ideas are offered to help the conversation unfold.

1. This psalm, especially in verses 1-6, has imagery that's both frightening and courageous. What word or phrase stood out to you? What did it stir in you?

2. Verses 1-2 speak of shelter, shadow, and refuge. What do you think it means to "live in the shelter of the Most High"? Can you think of a time when you felt this way?

• Feeling protected amid uncertainty
• A spiritual sense of being held, even when answers are unclear
• Trusting God's presence during personal difficulty.

3. This psalm names dangers (night terror, arrows, pestilence) and doesn’t describe a life without them, while still speaking praise and assurance. What does it look like for someone to feel fear and praise and assurance, all at the same time? Can you think of a time when you felt all of these together?

• Living with both vulnerability and confidence
• Offering praise not as denial, but as resilience
• Trusting in God's presence even while afraid.

4. In verses 14-16, God responds with words of rescue, protection, and long life. What does it feel like to imagine God speaking these words directly to you?

• Comforting and personal, like a promise you didn’t know you needed
• Challenging, if trusting God feels difficult
• A reminder that God sees and responds to our needs.

5. For some, praise isn’t what comes after the storm; it’s what helps them survive it. What do you think God's commitment to us is when we must face challenging or even terrifying events?

• To remain present even when outcomes are uncertain
• To offer strength and hope rather than simple solutions
• To invite us into deeper trust through praise.

6. What’s one small way you could practice praise this week, not as performance, but as grounded trust in God’s presence?

• Looking for a lesson to learn from difficult challenges
• Keeping a short prayer journal next to your bed
• Saying, ‘I know you’re near,’ even when nothing has changed.

Prayer (5 minutes). Invite the group to share prayer requests, if appropriate. Then read or adapt the following:

Closing Prayer:

God of shelter and strength, thank you for being with us not only in peace but in the middle of storms. Teach us how to trust you, to rest in your shadow, and to praise you, even when life is uncertain. Let our praise be rooted in confidence, not that we are safe from harm, but that we are never alone. Amen.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). You may choose to close with a blessing, the Lord’s Prayer, or this short commissioning:

Go into this week with praise on your breath, not because everything is perfect, but because the one who loves you walks with you through it all. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.

Rev. Anthony J. Tang is the Senior Associate Minister of Mission and Vision at First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas. An elder in full connection with the Desert Southwest Conference, he brings a deep interest in the intersection of vulnerability, leadership, and grace. He is passionate about organizational development that fosters purpose and belonging and helps people live into their God-given calling.