By Toni Ford
Psalm 91 has been sometimes referred as the “The Soldier’s Psalm.” I saw nu-merous soldiers over the last two weeks while I was in Israel, a nation that is in the middle of a war. So, it was a very common sight to see soldiers walking along the streets.
One evening during my visit, my friends and I witnessed the induction of 400 Israeli Defense Force soldiers. Family and friends surrounded the soldiers, taking pictures and praying blessings of protection over each one as they prepared to be sent off to war.
In my research of Psalm 91, I discovered that the 91st Infantry Brigade of the U.S. Expeditionary Army in World War I recited Psalm 91 daily. Legend has it that the men of the 91st had never seen combat. A devout Christian, the brigade’s commander called an assembly of his men, during which he gave each soldier a little card on which was printed the 91st Psalm. The soldiers agreed to recite the Soldiers’ Psalm daily. The brigade engaged in three of the war’s bloodiest battles, and while other American units similarly engaged suffered up to 90 percent casualties, it is said that the 91st Brigade did not suffer a single combat-re-lated casualty!
Matthew 24:6-7 tells us, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” We have definitely seen this occur more and more over the last two years. In God’s Word, He not only gives us a warning but also gives us His promises, which strengthen us in times of war or hard times.
As we continue to walk through these unprecedented times, may we be mindful to pray aloud Psalm 91. Whether we are actual soldiers fighting in an army or battling spiritually for our family and country, Psalm 91 is still applicable in both situations. Confidently claim God’s rest, refuge, safety, covering, faithfulness, freedom from fear, deliverance and protection! I encourage each of us to read Psalm 91 each morning when we awaken and before we close our eyes for the night.
The 91st Psalm
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
“This I 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.
“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 an-gels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so that 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.”
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to email me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!
