Psalmist's Playlist Part 3: Psalm 91

Introduction

In the third installment of our Psalmist Playlist series, we delve into Psalm 91, one of the most cherished Psalms in the Bible. This Psalm is often seen as a prayer of protection, and many people hold it close to their hearts, even displaying it in their homes or cars as a declaration of trust in God’s power and provision.

Psalm 91 opens with the powerful image of those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty:

Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

Dwelling in the Shelter of God

The word dwells in Hebrew is yashab, meaning “to sit, to remain, or to inhabit.” It suggests not a temporary stay, but a permanent, settled position in God’s presence. We are called to make our home in Him, not as mere visitors but as family members with full access to His provision and protection.

The Hebrew root word for yashab carries additional meaning. The yod represents a hand, symbolizing reaching out and surrender. The shin, resembling teeth, signifies the act of chewing or fully digesting something—like God’s Word. Lastly, the bet is the floor plan of a house, signifying family and household. Together, these meanings convey the beautiful truth that God invites us to dwell deeply in His Word and in His presence, fully receiving all He has to offer.

Psalm 91:1 speaks of the Most High, which in Hebrew is El Elyon, meaning “the Lord of Heaven and Earth.” This name for God emphasizes His supremacy over all creation. He is not only our personal refuge but the One who rules over everything. Knowing that the Lord of Heaven and Earth is our protector fills our hearts with courage, shifting our perspective from fear to faith.

God as Our Refuge and Fortress

Verse 2 introduces the imagery of God as both a refuge and a fortress. A refuge is a place of safety, like a bunker where you can retreat from danger. In modern Hebrew, the word for fortress is Masada. In Israel, there is an ancient fortress called Masada, known for its impenetrable defense, though it was eventually conquered by the Romans. However, the fortress of the Lord can never be overtaken. It is an unbreakable stronghold, and in Him, we are secure. Even when the enemy may be near, he cannot breach the fortress of God’s protection.

Psalm 91 assures us that while we live in a world full of danger, disease, and spiritual attacks, God’s protection remains steadfast. The promise is not the absence of danger, but rather that God will bring us through it unharmed and secure in His care.

Bold Promises of Protection

From verse 3 onwards, the Psalm makes several bold declarations about God’s protection:

• He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from deadly pestilence (v.3)

• He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge (v.4)

• You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day (v.5)

• A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you (v.7)

These promises are powerful, but they can be challenging to fully grasp, especially when we witness suffering around us. Some may question these promises, asking, “What about those who suffer? What about what happened to this person?” But the heart of this Psalm is about trust—trusting God not just for safety, but for His presence and sovereignty over every circumstance.

Trusting in God’s Sovereign Plan

It’s important to recognize that Psalm 91 does not promise a life free from difficulty. The Bible never promises that we will live without challenges, but it does promise that God will never abandon us in them. Nothing that happens in our lives is outside of His control. He is with us in every trial, just as He was with Jesus in His times of temptation and suffering.

Jesus faced great trials, yet the Father was with Him through it all, even strengthening Him in moments of deep struggle. The same is true for us. We can trust that when hardships arise, God is in control, and His purpose will prevail. He will never allow anything to touch our lives without using it for His good and perfect plan.

The Danger of Distrusting God

In Psalm 78:22, we see the consequences of distrusting God: “The Lord’s anger flared against Israel because they did not believe in God or trust in His saving power.” Our natural tendency is to seek safety and peace from things or people other than God. Yet, Psalm 4:8 reminds us: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

There is a danger in diluting the promises of Psalm 91 with too many qualifiers, “what ifs,” and doubts. When we do this, we quench the power, truth, and comfort this Psalm is meant to provide. Our safety is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of God.

God’s Heart for Protection

Psalm 91 concludes with God’s declaration of why He provides such protection for those who trust Him:

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (v.14-16)

God honors our love and trust in Him. His protection is not passive but active and personal. He promises not just deliverance from danger but His very presence with us in the midst of it.

The Ultimate Safety in Jesus

Ultimately, to be safe in Jesus is to be safe in the truest sense. Nothing—not danger, disease, demons, or even death—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. When we choose to make God our dwelling place, we find that our eternal safety is secure in Him.

May we place our full trust in the Lord today, knowing that He is our refuge, fortress, and unshakable protection.

This reflection on Psalm 91 reminds us of God’s unwavering protection, urging us to fully trust in His power and provision. In times of trial and uncertainty, we can hold fast to the promises of this beautiful Psalm, knowing that our ultimate safety is found in God alone.