Psalm 91. trust and confidence

Psalm 91 is a powerful and comforting psalm that expresses confidence in God's protection. This psalm reminds us of the power and protection of God for those who put their trust in Him. The psalmist uses the imagery of God as a mother bird protecting her young with her wings to convey a sense of security and safety that God provides. He also suggests that God will send His angels to protect the believer and watch over them in all aspects of their lives. In this psalm, the psalmist reassures that even in the face of terrifying circumstances, God's protection will keep the believer safe. As we read through Psalm 91, we will see the psalmist's assurance of God's protection, and the encouragement to trust in God in all circumstances.

Verse 1: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." The psalmist is expressing a belief that those who trust in God and seek refuge in Him will be protected by His power.

Verse 2: "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." The psalmist declares his trust in God as his refuge and fortress, emphasizing his confidence in God's protection.

Verse 3: "Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence." The psalmist asserts that God will protect His people from danger and harm, including traps set by enemies and deadly diseases.

Verse 4: "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler." The imagery of God as a mother bird protecting her young with her wings is used to convey the sense of security and safety that God provides.

Verse 5: "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day." The psalmist reassures that even in the face of terrifying circumstances, God's protection will keep them safe.

Verse 6: "Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday." The psalmist repeats the assurance of protection from disease and destruction, emphasizing that God's protection is constant and all-encompassing.

Verse 7: "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you."The psalmist acknowledges that others may fall, but God's protection will ensure that the believer remains safe.

Verse 8: "Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked." The psalmist suggests that the believer will be able to see the punishment of the wicked, perhaps suggesting that the believer will be protected from similar fate.

Verse 9: "Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place," The psalmist emphasizes again the choice to trust in God as a refuge.

Verse 10: "No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling." The psalmist reassures that those who trust in God will be protected from harm and suffering.

Verse 11: "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." The psalmist suggests that God will send His angels to protect the believer and watch over them in all aspects of their lives.

Verse 12: "In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone." The psalmist continues the imagery of protection, suggesting that God's angels will lift and carry the believer, preventing them from stumbling.

Verse 13: "You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. "The psalmist declares that those who trust in God will have power over dangerous creatures, suggesting that God's protection will give the believer strength and courage.

Verse 14: "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he has known My name." The psalmist asserts that God will reward those who choose to trust in Him and show their love for Him.

In Psalm 91, the psalmist expresses confidence in God's protection, emphasizing that those who trust in God and seek refuge in Him will be protected by His power. The psalmist reassures us even in the face of terrifying circumstances, that God's protection will keep us safe. The psalmist uses the imagery of God as a mother bird protecting her young with her wings to convey a sense of security and safety that God provides. He also suggests that God will send His angels to protect the believer and watch over us in all aspects of our lives. The psalmist declares that those who trust in God will have power over dangerous creatures, suggesting that God's protection will give the believer strength and courage. The psalmist asserts that God will reward those who choose to trust in Him and show their love for Him. Overall, Psalm 91 is a reminder of the power and protection of God for those who put their trust in Him.

Have a great day and as always, God bless,

Trev.

PS: All of the Psalms were meant to be sung but unfortunately, over the passage of time, the music has got lost. The video link below is to a Gregorian chant for Psalm 91, which may give us an indication of what this would have been like. The Church intones this psalm at Compline (prayer at the end of the day) and is a wonderful way to calm the spirit as we enter into prayer.