The Daily Devotional
Sunday, February 9, 2025
The Unseen Shield of Grace
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1–2)
Introduction
Psalm 91 is a cherished passage in Scripture, reminding believers that God’s protection surrounds us in times of great danger. The psalmist paints a powerful picture of the Lord as a refuge—an unassailable fortress—where we can abide and find rest. Even when life’s battles loom large, our God remains steadfast, sheltering us under His mighty wings.
Reflection
During World War II, on February 9, 1941, the British battleship HMS Malaya inadvertently fired a 381 mm armor-piercing shell into the southeastern corner of the nave of the Genoa Cathedral in Italy. By all accounts, this bomb should have caused extensive devastation. However, miraculously, it did not explode.
An inscription in Italian now memorializes this astonishing event:
“QUESTA BOMBA LANCIATA DALLA FLOTTA INGLESE PUR SFONDANDO LE PARETI DI QUESTA INSIGNE CATTEDRALE QUI CADEVA INESPLOSA IL IX FEBBRAIO MCMXLI A RICONOSCENZA PERENNE GENOVA CITTÀ DI MARIA VOLLE INCISA IN PIETRA LA MEMORIA DI TANTA GRAZIA.”
Translated, it commemorates how the shell broke through the walls of the historic cathedral but did not detonate—an act of grace that spared both the building and the people within. Many viewed it as a divine shield, an illustration of Psalm 91 in action. In the face of warfare’s terrors and the seeming inevitability of destruction, God’s mercy prevailed.
This event underscores that even when the storms rage and weapons are formed against us, the Lord’s plans and protection can triumph in ways beyond our understanding. Genoa’s cathedral and its thankful inscription stand as a powerful reminder of how God’s grace can intervene unexpectedly and alter the course of history.
Application
1. Trust God’s Protection: In our personal struggles—whether they be conflicts at work, health challenges, or family difficulties—we can find safety in God’s presence. Like the people who witnessed the Genoa Cathedral’s deliverance, we too can remember that our Father is able to shield us in ways unseen.
2. Remember Past Acts of Grace: Keep a record of God’s faithfulness. Whether through journaling or sharing testimonies, commemorating moments of divine intervention can bolster our faith for future hardships.
3. Show Gratitude: In the same way Genoa inscribed a stone with words of gratitude, find ways to express thankfulness to God for His daily protection and blessings. Gratitude renews our perspective and fosters trust in God’s continuing providence.
Conclusion
The bomb in Genoa Cathedral remains a silent, powerful emblem of the Lord’s power to protect and sustain. It is a reminder that in moments of crisis, God can cover us with His grace, turning potential tragedy into a testimony of His love. May we hold fast to the truth of Psalm 91, knowing that we dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest securely in His fortress of compassion.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being our refuge and fortress. We praise You for the countless times You have shielded us from harm—even when we were unaware of Your protection. Help us trust You in every struggle we face, and teach us to remember and proclaim Your faithfulness. May our hearts overflow with gratitude as we rest in the shadow of Your mighty wings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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