By Toni Ford
Psalm 90, written by Moses and considered the oldest psalm, deals with the difficulties of life. Although the author is stated to be anonymous, many believe that Moses wrote Psalm 91 as well. This psalm places emphasis on the dangers of life. Some of the dangers in life mentioned in this psalm are hidden traps, deadly disease, terrors of the night, arrows flying in the day, stumbling over rocks and disasters at midday. I realize that after reading that last sentence, many of you might want to stop reading and not go any further. However, I encourage you to hang on and keep reading, for I am confident you will be encouraged as you read the entire psalm.
The Lord never told us that life would be easy. In fact, James 1:2 tells us to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of various kinds.” Here we are told that we will face multiple trials of various kinds. When we look back in Scripture, we see many believers facing numerous trials, but we also see how they walked with God through these trials. As a result, He helped them detect and avoid a great deal of trouble, and their faith was strengthened as a result. We also learn that it is better to suffer in the will of God than to invite trouble of disobeying God’s will.
In reading Psalm 91, two things stood out to me: the Lord’s constant protection over me and His faithful and consistent love for me and that obedience brings greater blessing and greater
protection.
I encourage you to read aloud the following psalm and notice God’s protection over you as well as His consistent and faithful love for you. Also notice our responsibilities as believers in obeying and following our Lord.
Psalm 91: 1-8 says, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I will declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes and see how the wicked are punished.”
Notice His promises to you:
* There is rest under His wings.
* He is the Lord, your refuge and fortress. You are defended by His faithfulness as your shield and defense.
* Be blessed with security from Satan’s snares and schemes.
* His promises are sure.
* God hears your heart’s cry. Be blessed to put into God’s hands the terrors in the dark and the arrows that attempt to destroy you by day.
* See that the battle is the Lord’s. No weapon formed against you will prosper.
Psalm 91:9-16 says, “If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands, so you will not even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Notice what is ours if we follow and obey Him as Lord:
* He is your hope and trust and your true home.
* Jesus in you stands against all hindrances. You have His name and the authority of His blood, His cross, His resurrection and His ascension. He has already defeated the adversary you are facing. In His name you have victory.
* God is the Commander of the armies of heaven. He will command His angels to guard you. His angels will hold you up, so you do not stumble.
* Jesus has already defeated every foe. You have nothing to fear.
* God promises to rescue you because you love Him. He promises to deliver you and give you the honor due you as the object of His strong care.
* God’s crowning promise is that He will fill you with the satisfaction of a full life and show you His victory. In Him you will be truly satisfied.
Thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness to us as Your children. May we keep our eyes and heart focused on You alone, so that we can walk through the trials of life victoriously!
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to e-mail me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!