Psalm 91, often referred to as the Psalm of Protection, is a profound and comforting passage in the Bible. It offers a beautiful depiction of God's unyielding protection and care for His children. It is a refuge for the weary, a source of strength for the weak, and a beacon of hope for those lost in the storms of life.
The psalm begins with a powerful declaration, "Whoever
dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the
Almighty." (Psalm 91:1). This is not a casual visit, or a fleeting
encounter, but a permanent dwelling, a steadfast abode. The image of the
'shelter' symbolises safety, protection, and covering, while the 'shadow'
signifies proximity and intimacy with God. It is a call to remain close to God,
to find our home in Him, and to enjoy the peace and rest that His presence
provides.
The psalmist continues by affirming his trust in God,
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom
I trust.'" (Psalm 91:2). This is a personal and confident proclamation of
faith. God is not just a refuge or a fortress, but 'my' refuge and 'my'
fortress. Trusting in God is not just a theoretical concept but a deeply
personal commitment, an act of surrendering our fears, anxieties, and
uncertainties to Him.
The psalmist then enumerates the various dangers from which
God delivers His people - the fowler's snare, deadly pestilence, terror of
night, arrow that flies by day, plague that stalks in darkness, and destruction
that wastes at midday (Psalm 91:3-6). These images represent the various
trials, tribulations, and threats that we may encounter in life. Yet, during
these perils, God promises to be our shield and protector.
Verses 11 and 12 contain a promise that was quoted by Satan
during Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, "For he will command his
angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in
their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." While
Satan misused this scripture to tempt Jesus to test God's protection, Jesus'
response, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" (Matthew 4:7),
reminds us that God's protection is not a license for recklessness or
presumption, but a promise for those who walk in obedience and faith.
The psalm concludes with God's assurance to the one who
loves Him, knows His name, and calls upon Him. God promises to deliver,
protect, answer, be with, rescue, honour, satisfy with long life, and show His
salvation to this person (Psalm 91:14-16). These are not mere words of comfort,
but divine pledges from a faithful God, who is committed to the well-being of
His children.
Psalm 91, therefore, is not just a psalm of protection, but
also a psalm of intimacy, trust, and obedience. It calls us to dwell in God's
presence, to trust in His protection, to love Him, to know His name, and to
call upon Him. It assures us that no matter what dangers we face, God is our
sure refuge and fortress. His faithfulness is our shield and rampart. Under His
wings, we find refuge.
Amid life's storms, let us, therefore, hold on to the
promises of Psalm 91. Let us dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in
the shadow of the Almighty. Let us declare with faith, "He is my refuge
and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Let us experience the reality
of God's protection, the comfort of His presence, and the assurance of His
promises.
Remember, the God of Psalm 91 is not a distant deity, but a
personal and loving Father, who watches over His children with unwavering
vigilance and care. He is our refuge, our fortress, and our God. In Him, we can
trust, today, tomorrow, and always. So, take heart, dear believer, for you are
sheltered under His wings!