A Reflection on Psalm 91
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91 is a well-known and beloved passage from the Book of Psalms in the Bible. It’s often referred to as the “Psalm of Protection” or the “Safety Psalm” because it emphasizes God’s care, refuge, and protection for those who trust in Him. Here’s a reflection on some of the key themes and verses from Psalm 91:
1. Trust and Refuge: The Psalm opens by highlighting the importance of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and finding rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This sets the tone for the rest of the Psalm, emphasizing the idea that when we place our trust in God, we find a place of safety and security.
2. Protection from Danger: Throughout the Psalm, there are vivid descriptions of various dangers and perils that threaten us, such as snares, deadly diseases, and attacks. However, the Psalm assures us that God is our fortress and deliverer, guarding us from harm and providing a shield of divine protection.
3. Angelic Guardians: Verse 11 and 12 mention God giving His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways, preventing us from stumbling or being harmed. This reinforces the idea that God’s protection is comprehensive and watchful, even in situations that might seem perilous.
4. Promised Deliverance: The Psalmist expresses confidence in God’s promise to rescue and deliver those who call upon Him. This promise extends not only to physical protection but also to emotional and spiritual deliverance from fear and anxiety.
5. Intimate Relationship with God: The intimacy between God and those who trust Him is evident throughout the Psalm. The language used—such as “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress'”—reflects a personal and close relationship with God.
6. Conditional Trust: While the Psalm speaks of God’s protection, it’s important to note that the promises made are conditional upon our trust and faith in God. The repeated use of phrases like “those who dwell” and “who say” suggests an active choice on our part to seek refuge in God.
7. Acknowledgment of Reality: While Psalm 91 offers powerful promises of protection, it does not guarantee an absence of difficulty or suffering. Instead, it acknowledges the existence of challenges but assures us that God will be with us through them.
In reflection, Psalm 91 serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for believers, reminding us that we can find solace, strength, and security in God’s presence. It invites us to trust in His unwavering care even in the face of adversity. This Psalm encourages us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, placing our faith in His providence and seeking refuge under His wings.
