Where do you turn when you need protection and support?
Psalm 91 offers a powerful reminder to trust in the Lord as our refuge and fortress, but it also challenges us to understand the depth and complexity of God’s protection in our lives.
Key Verse: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)
Background Context: Psalm 91 is a beloved psalm of trust, often referred to as the “Soldier’s Psalm” or “Psalm of Protection.” It describes the security and peace that come from trusting in God as our protector. However, it’s important to approach this psalm with a balanced understanding, recognizing that while it speaks of God’s protection, it does not promise a life free from suffering or harm.
Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD.
1He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
11For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
12They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
14“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16“With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”
Reflection on Psalm 91:
- God as Our Refuge: The psalm opens with a beautiful declaration that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). This imagery conveys a deep sense of security and closeness to God, who is our refuge and fortress.
- Misconceptions About Protection: It’s essential to understand that while Psalm 91 speaks of God’s protection, it does not promise immunity from all suffering. We can look to the lives of the prophets, disciples, and even Jesus Himself to see that those close to God often endure hardship. Teaching that God will protect us from all harm can set unrealistic expectations, especially for children, leading to confusion and doubt when trials inevitably come.
- Trust Amidst Suffering: The real power of Psalm 91 lies in its call to trust God even when we face difficulties. God’s protection is not always about preventing suffering but about being with us through it. He promises to cover us with His wings, to be our shield and bulwark (Psalm 91:4), and to guard us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11). This protection is spiritual and eternal, even if it doesn’t always manifest in physical safety.
- God’s Sovereignty and Control: We can trust that nothing happens to us outside of God’s sovereign will—He is in control, whether He allows or causes something to happen. This assurance should lead us to a place of peace, knowing that God’s ultimate plan is for our good, even if we don’t understand it in the moment.
- A Call to Prayer: Psalm 91 encourages us to bring our fears and needs before God, trusting Him with our lives and the lives of those we love. We are invited to dwell in His presence, seek His protection, and continually pray for His guidance and support, knowing that He hears and responds to our cries.
Summary Key Points:
- God’s Protection: God is our refuge and protector, offering us spiritual and eternal security, even when we face challenges and suffering.
- Understanding Suffering: Psalm 91 does not promise a life free from harm, but it assures us of God’s presence and sovereignty through every trial.
- Trust in God’s Sovereignty: We can find peace in the knowledge that God is in control, and nothing happens outside His will.
- Continual Prayer: We are called to bring our needs and the needs of others before God, trusting in His protection and guidance.
Application: Reflect on the areas of your life where you need God’s protection and support. Consider the challenges facing your family, friends, and fellow believers. Bring these concerns before God in prayer, trusting in His sovereignty and care. Even in the midst of suffering, seek to dwell in His presence, knowing that He is your refuge and strength.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being our refuge and fortress. We trust in Your protection, knowing that You are in control of all things. Help us to understand that Your protection does not always mean the absence of suffering, but that You are with us through every trial. Teach us to pray continually for Your guidance and support, and to rest in the assurance of Your sovereignty. May we dwell in Your presence and find peace in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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