God's Protective Covering
Whether you believe that the devil and his demons can
attack you or not doesn’t matter. That will not make you immune to attacks by evil
forces. Of greater importance, however, is whether or not you are firm in your
belief in Jesus Christ, and that you know without a shadow of a doubt that you
have been redeemed by His blood and that the devil, death, hell, and the grave
have no power over you unless you give in. The Devil knows that he has a short time to do
his work (Rev 12:12), so he is constantly on the hunt to take us down (1 Peter
5:8). Jesus already told us that the battle has been won, but we will still be
tested (James 1:2-6 and 1 Peter 1:6-7).
I grew up hearing my mother pray Psalm 91 every night. By
the time I was 10 years old, I knew the words and could say them without
reading from the Bible. It gave me the sensation,
way back then, that we were covered by God’s shadow and that we were safe. It
has become one of my favorite Psalms. Whenever I pray that Psalm, regardless of
what is happening around me, I feel the presence of God and I feel protected.
Sometimes though, it can feel like the whole host of hell has
been let loose against us. At such times
it is important to remember who Christ is, who we are in Him, and His promises
to us. It is not certain who wrote Psalm 91 as no author is mentioned in the
Hebrew text of this Psalm. Jewish tradition credits it to Moses, with David
compiling it in his Book of Psalms. The Septuagint translation ascribes it to
David. Regardless of who wrote it, it is a powerful Psalm that reassures us of God’s
protection and deliverance from evil forces.
In times of uncertainty, fear, and adversity, finding
solace in the unwavering protection of God can be a source of immense comfort
and strength. Psalm 91 stands as a beacon of hope, offering profound
reassurance to believers that they are enveloped in God's unfailing love and
safeguarded from harm. Let us delve into the depths of this sacred psalm,
drawing upon its timeless wisdom to affirm the enduring protection of our
Heavenly Father.
We are met with words of steadfast assurance from the first
verse: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the
shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). Here, we are reminded that those who
seek refuge in the presence of God will find themselves under His divine
protection, shielded from the storms of life that may seek to engulf them. Visualize
the scene created by the words and experience the feeling you get from it.
Let's Explore These Verses
The imagery evoked by the Psalmist paints a vivid picture
of God's unwavering protection: "He will cover you with his pinions, and
under his wings you will find refuge" (Psalm 91:4). Just as a mother bird
shields her young beneath her wings, so too does God shield His beloved
children from harm, providing a sanctuary of safety and peace amidst the chaos
of the world.
In the face of adversity and the rising tide of evil
forces, Psalm 91 offers a powerful declaration of God's omnipotence and
sovereignty: "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow
that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the
destruction that wastes at noonday" (Psalm 91:5-6). Even in the darkest of
times, we are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting that God's protective
hand will never falter. Take a minute to envisage all of those diverse scenes and
mentally picture God keeping you safe, protected, and provided for in all of
them. Isn’t the God you serve awesome?
Indeed, the promises contained within Psalm 91 serve as a
testament to God's unchanging nature and His unwavering commitment to His
people. "Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place - the Most
High, who is my refuge - no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come
near your tent" (Psalm 91:9 -10). In times of trial and tribulation, we
can take refuge in the knowledge that God is our stronghold, our fortress, and
our deliverer. I often pray this Psalm in the morning, and I just imagine God’s
presence all around. He is always there
but if we are not in tune with His presence then we will be unaware.
As we reflect on the profound truths of Psalm 91, let us
take heart in the assurance that God's protection knows no bounds. "For he
will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their
hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone"
(Psalm 91:11-12). Even in life's most challenging moments, God's angels stand
ready to watch over us, guiding our steps and ensuring our safety.
Verse 13 is powerful. Can you imagine walking on lions and
serpents and being fearless and safe? Can you imagine trampling the old dragon,
Satan, every time he comes against you? Just remember to call upon God. He says
he will deliver you because you are His. He says He will save you…and believer,
God keeps His promises!
Stand Firm
Let us cling to the timeless promises of
Psalm 91 as a source of strength, courage, and unwavering faith. In the face of
adversity, uncertainty, and the relentless onslaught of evil forces, may we
find solace in the comforting embrace of our Heavenly Father, knowing that His
protective hand is ever-present in our lives. As we journey forward, may we
walk in the assurance of God's unfailing love and protection, trusting in His
promises and resting securely in His unchanging faithfulness.
May you find comfort in His presence, strength in His
promises, and peace in His love. Whenever you feel besieged or threatened by
evil forces remember to read Psalm 91. May you emerge from those seasons of
difficulty with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper faith, and a greater
appreciation for the goodness of God.
