Fear is a small four-letter word that has massive impact on most all of us to some degree. Fear is not always a bad thing, but it is how we respond to fear that makes the difference. After all heathy fear can protect us from harm. For some fear becomes harmful when it paralyzes them and keeps them from relating to their environment in a healthy way. Paralyzing fear can even keep us from following God’s plan for our lives, keeping us from the good He wants to accomplish thorough us. With God’s help we can move forward despite our fear.
In Psalm 91 the titles Almighty and Most High given to God highlight His unparalleled omnipotence. The One who is supreme and over all creation is our defender. Verse 1 tells the reader that we may live under this protection as we dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. Abiding in His shadow is a continual state or action (John 15). We are called to live in fellowship with the Heavenly Father – not straying too far away from His watchful eyes.
In verse 2 he identifies the LORD (proper name) as his refuge and fortress. A refuge is where one who is endangered may flee to hide or find protection. Fortress builds on this idea. A fortress is a hardened shelter that has defenses to repel an enemy. Growing up in North Alabama we had more than our share of tornadoes. Many homes are now built with reinforced safe rooms and in some outlying areas shelters are built into the ground. Residents don’t spend all their time hunkered down in the shelter, but during stormy days there is a plan to take cover when the dangerous cells approach. Proverbs 18:10 says it this way: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (NKJV). When the storms come people run to their shelters until the threat has passed. The psalmist will take refuge there because of his trust in God (v.2). Many times we place our trust in other people and material things to quiet our fearful thoughts. Where should we place our trust when we are under attack? In the One who is ultimately trustworthy or in someone else.
Verse 3 continues with a promise to deliver His people from the trap or snare of the fowler. We too have an enemy that seeks to entrap us, but when we are tempted, God will provide a way to escape. The writer moves ahead to say we have protection from the destructive plague. The pestilence (ESV) the original audience would have been most familiar with were the plagues of Egypt that did not affect the Israelites. This is not to say that God’s people will never fall ill, but we should not live in fear of such things. We do not lose hope, because we have the promise of eternity. The image of the mother bird sheltering her chicks under her wings is a picture of consistent care and nurture. We know a mother’s responsibility is 24/7. All times of the day are poetically included in here - night, day, darkness, and noon. God’s protection is complete, guarding us from all kinds of perils no matter when they come.
Verses 9-13 begin with a repetition of verses 1-2 that the LORD is our refuge and dwelling place. Because of God’s divine power, He is able to provide divine protection. Jesus spoke in John 10:28,” I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (ESV). Verses 11-12 are familiar because the devil quoted them when he tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple. The context of these verses is broader than the concept of a guardian angel. Angels by definition are God’s messengers. Angels are a force in the battle of the spiritual realm against the devil and his demons. Angels many times in the Bible come to aid the believer – Hebrews 1:14, Acts 10:3, Luke 16:22, Psalm 34:7, Daniel 6:22, I Kings 19:5, Acts 8:26, … Verse 13 expands the idea of victory for those who place their trust in God. We meet opposition, we face trials, but we prevail because we share in the victory of Christ. Romans 8 reminds us that we are more than conquerors and absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love.
In verse 14 we see the psalmist is no longer speaking. The words are from the perspective of God. The one who has his heart set on God will be delivered and protected. The idea of “knowing God’s name” is consistent in today’s text. These promises are made to those who abide in and fellowship with God. They know the consistency of His presence. God is not an afterthought to turn to when all else fails. Actually, we don’t have to turn to Him because we are already practicing His presence. He promises us fulfillment in life and ultimate salvation.
The lesson writer closes with these helpful thoughts: “we must interpret Psalm 91 in light of the whole message of Scripture… the Lord uses suffering to mature us spiritually (Jas. 1:2-4). The psalm assures us, however, that the Lord is present with his trusting children even in the most distressing of experiences. It reminds us we can shake off fear because we are secure in his care” (BSFL Leader Guide, 34).
Question to consider: Considering all the current circumstances in our world, how can we use God’s promises in Psalm 91 to encourage believers who live in fear? What about nonbelievers?
Blessings to all and thanks for reading,
Chris larsen
