A recent Bible reading from a popular app was from the 91st Psalm. It provided me so much comfort in the struggles of the day. I pray that it will do the same for you.

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” – Psalms 91:1-2

To tell you all the truth, I have been struggling of late. A bunch of issues have been piling up in my life, some bigger than others, and it is wearing me down. This is rare territory for me because I am typically able to navigate these kinds of things pretty well. I am typically the one that is able to point to God’s promises through anything. This time it’s impacting me differently.

The verse really spoke to me. The imagery of Psalm 91 is that of a mother eagle covering her young in their mountain aerie. While you are in the Lord’s presence – reading the Bible, praying, fasting or meditating – you are resting in His shadow. At some point, you become encouraged enough to leave the nest and stretch your wings throughout your day. 

3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. – Psalms 91:3-4

The Psalmist then goes on to list out some troubles that might occur outside the Lord’s nest. Traps, disease, fear, physical attacks and disasters might occur, but we can always remember the sweet promises He made us as we took flight or even flee back to His nest and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. – Psalms 91:5-7

This Psalm is so comforting for me because I know that I can’t exist in His presence all day – I have to engage the world. I will make mistakes. I will fail to trust and become full of fear and worry. But, if I choose to live in the shelter of the Most High, I will be protected.

So does this mean that if I put my faith and trust in God, that I will never come to harm, never become sick, never be injured or killed? No, It does not mean that. We will experience troubles in this world – Jesus promised this explicitly.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 

The most important part of Psalm 91 is exactly what Jesus is saying in John 16. As believers, we can have peace because even though we will encounter trouble, the Lord protects our spirit in this world because Jesus died for us before we even existed – He overcame this world that is awash in evil.

Beyond this (and because of this), The Psalmist goes on to promise that if we place our faith and trust in the Lord, He will send vast armies of angels to hold up our spirit. By living a life of quiet humility, resting in the Lord’s Spirit, we will effectively trample and crush evil regimes, satan and his minions (Lions and Leaders) under our faithful and fruitful feet.

8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. 9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! – Psalms 91:8-13

We exist in a world full of evil where not one is righteous, but if we choose to put our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and humbly live in His presence, He will protect us and give us salvation.

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalms 91:14-16

Picture courtesy if daryl_mitchell from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada