Scripture: Psalms 91:1

God is personal.

In Psalm 91:1, God’s Word reminds us that the best way to overcome a difficult circumstance is to remember who our God is. In historical context, the psalmist is speaking to Israel in a time of trouble, reminding them that God is with them and will protect them. In our current moment, it is easy to get distracted when we face stress in our lives, the rising pressures of the moment, or the uncertainty and fears of tomorrow. When this happens, we can forget how big our God is. The God who made the universe is personal, and he has revealed himself to us. One of the ways God shows us his character and what he does for his people is through his different names. Proverbs 18:10 tells us, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”

In Psalm 91, from the start, the psalmist points us to God’s names. He explicitly mentions two names: first, he refers to God as (1) “the Most High” and then as (2) “the Almighty.” A. W. Tozer said, ”What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What we believe about God is even more crucial when we walk through a hard day, week, or season. Our view of God will determine our relationship with God. And don’t miss this, looking to and relying on our relationship with God is the best way to overcome fears, concerns, and hardship. 

When we turn to God and trust that He is “the Most High,” then we can “dwell” or find “shelter,” experiencing the peace and comfort that only comes from Him. We do not just think about Him but we pray and experience what only He can give us. When we lift our eyes to our God, who is “the Almighty,” then we can finally “rest in the shadow” of His incredible power! Look above the current news, your situation, and the unknowns of the future to “the Most High.” Remember who our God is, then you will “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” and “rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” 

Scripture: Psalms 91:2

God is strong.

In Psalm 91:2, we see the strength of God described as a refuge and a fortress. The image of a refuge is used time and time again through the book of Psalms to show that God can be a hiding place and source of security for us. When the world around us is chaotic and feels unstable, the presence of God is a safe place for us to find rest. Furthermore, He is our fortress, a symbol of protection from attack. Think of a mighty castle, with grand walls where its residents can retreat for protection when they can fight no more. That is our God! 

Finally, the psalmist proclaims his trust in God. Some scholars see this verse not only as a personal statement from the author, but an attempt to build the faith of those around him. Pause to read this verse out loud now and feel confidence rise within you! We often hold back our trust when we face fragile situations in this world, but our God has shown Himself faithful. Trust comes from a position of security, and we can trust Him because he has revealed Himself as strong. 

D.L. Moody said, “When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, he becomes powerful”. Do you need security? Do you need protection? Today, if you feel a lack of strength, trust in God and feel yourself become powerful as you let Him be strong for you.

Scripture: Psalms 91:3-4

God is protective.

In Psalm 91:3-4, the psalmist declares God’s promise of hope: “For he will deliver you.” He compares the danger that God’s people sometimes face with the “snare of the fowler” — a trap used by hunters to catch birds. While God is strong like a fortress (v.2), He is also protective, sacrificial, and gentle like a mother bird who gathers her young underneath her wings for protection, sheltering them from the scorching heat, heavy rain, and the harsh cold. 

God is our shield against any threat. He demonstrated his sacrificial love for us when Jesus died on the cross. He acted as our ultimate shield and rescued us from the greatest threat—sin and death. 1 Corinthians 15:3 tells us, “Christ died for our sins.” Jesus absorbed the punishment of what we deserve for our sins. 

In a time of trouble, we can be confident that God is not punishing us. Jesus already took the punishment that we deserve on the cross for all those who trust in him. God is our heavenly father who wants to care for us and protect us. When we face hardship we must remember that God is not distant from our pain. He stepped out of perfection and endured the greatest pain and relates to our struggles (Hebrews 4:15). He suffered with us and for us. God does not want to punish us, he wants to protect us (John 3:16). 

We always have hope and look to our bright future. Jesus overcame the grave and will one day return to remove all sin, evil, and injustice in the world. Times of trouble reminds us that Jesus has already achieved our salvation and will one day heal every heartache (Revelation 21:4). We should look for ways to help others in times of trouble not because we are the rescuers but because we are the rescued. Ask God to help you see how to show His care to others around you. 

Scripture: Psalms 91:5-13

God is always with us.

In Psalm 91:5-13, the psalmist continues to describe some seemingly dire situations that we may experience. It appears that coming our way is “the terror of the night,” flying arrows, and destruction. Yet the psalmist shifts the tone to hope in verse 9, promising that because our refuge is the Lord, no evil will befall us. Furthermore, our God will provide supernatural protection for us – His angels will be sent to guard us. Not only will they pick us up and carry us, but they will give us the strength to overcome obstacles we are bound to face in the future. This is good news!

The promise of Psalm 91 is not that we won’t experience dark and difficult days, but that God will be with us when we go through them. His very name is Emmanual, which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14)! Jesus, in fact, promises that in this world, we will have trouble, yet encourages us to take heart – for He has overcome the world (John 16:33)! Notice the verse doesn’t say, “you won’t face darkness, arrows, or destruction around you.” It assumes we are in it – yet God is present right there with us, miraculously protecting us and promising us a great future. 

Today you may be facing a difficult situation, but remember that “the Lord, your dwelling place,” “the Most High,” and your “refuge” is right there with you. He always has been, He always will be, and He has overcome! 

Scripture: Psalms 91:14-16

God is faithful.

In Psalm 91:14-16, God makes promises to those who love Him. God promises that He will rescue us, protect us, respond to our prayers, and be close to us in trouble. God also promises in this passage to give us “honor,” eternal life, and “salvation.” In other words, there is more to life than this life. Psalm 91 is one thread of the fabric that is weaved throughout the entire Bible. This fabric is the theme of promise and fulfillment. 

The Old Testament is the foundation of God’s promises for us. In Genesis 12:1-3, God promises Abraham land, descendants, and to make his name great. In Exodus 3, God promises Moses that he will deliver his people from Egypt. God fulfilled these promises to Abraham and Moses. The New Testament is the fulfillment of God’s promises. In Joel 2:28-32, God promises to pour out the Holy Spirit, and in Acts 2:1-4, God fulfills that promise by filling believers with the Holy Spirit.   

The Bible begins with a promise of redemption in Genesis 3:15, announcing the coming messiah who is later given the name Jesus in Matthew 1:21. The Bible ends with a promise of hope in Revelation 22:20, pointing to Jesus’ second coming. The bottom line is that when God says something, He always follows through with it. God’s Word provides a written record of the history of God’s faithfulness to his people, time and time again. He is worthy of our trust because of His proven faithfulness. 

The promises of God are the foundation of our prayer life. We pray God’s Word. God has spoken to us through His Word and is still speaking to us by His Word.  Remember, prayer is a conversation with God. We are responding in our prayers to what God has already said, what God has already promised. Faith is our confidence in God’s character and His promises, so today take hold of God’s promises by praying Psalm 91.