God's Shield Of Protection

In the face of adversity, it can be easy to feel abandoned or forgotten by God. However, Psalm 91 offers a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to protect and care for those who trust in Him. In this breakdown, we'll delve into each verse of this beloved passage, uncovering the depth and richness of God's promises.

**Psalm 91:1:**

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm. To "dwell" in the secret place of God means to reside in the presence of His throne, where He reveals His will and purposes to us. To do this requires humility and trust, acknowledging that our place is not to lead, but to follow. "Abiding under the shadow of the Almighty" speaks of God's protective presence over us, shielding us from harm and providing peace in the midst of turmoil.

**Psalm 91:2:**

"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in him will I trust."

This verse is a statement of faith, declaring that the Lord is our refuge and fortress. A refuge implies a safe place where we can hide from danger, while a fortress speaks of a strong, fortified stronghold that protects us from attack. To trust in God is to commit ourselves fully to Him, surrendering our doubts and fears to His perfect care.

**Psalm 91:3:**

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."

This verse speaks of the dangers that surround us, from the cunning and subtle snares of the enemy to the devastating effects of disease and sickness. However, it's not just a warning about the dangers; it's also a declaration of God's faithfulness to protect us from them. He is our Deliverer, the One who liberates us from the bondage of fear and doubt.

**Psalm 91:4:**

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."

In this verse, we see a beautiful illustration of God's protection. His "feathers" and "wings" speak of the shelter and covering that He provides for us, while "his truth" serves as our shield and buckler, defending us against the attacks of Satan. This truth is not just a set of teachings or principles; it's a living, active reality that permeates every area of our lives.

**Psalm 91:5:**

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;"

This verse is a powerful declaration that we don't have to live in fear, no matter what dangers surround us. The "terror by night" speaks of the unseen enemies that lurk in the darkness, while the "arrow that flieth by day" represents the visible threats that we face every day. Yet, in the midst of these dangers, we can rest in God's peace, trusting that He is our Protector and Savior.

**Psalm 91:6:**

"Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday."

In this verse, we see two more illustrations of God's protection. The "pestilence that walketh in darkness" speaks of the subtle, hidden dangers that can threaten our lives, while the "destruction that wasteth at noonday" represents the full-blown attacks that come when we least expect them. Yet, in the midst of these dangers, we can find peace and shelter in God's presence.

**Psalm 91:7:**

"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."

In this verse, we see a striking picture of God's protection. A thousand people can fall to the left and ten thousand to the right, but we won't be touched. This verse is not saying that we won't experience loss or hardship; it's saying that we'll be safe in the midst of it. We'll be surrounded by the protection of God, who has promised to deliver us from all harm.

**Psalm 91:8:**

"Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked."

In this verse, we see a reminder that not all evil will be completely eradicated, but we won't be affected by it. We'll be able to "behold and see" the consequences of the wicked, but we won't experience their harm. This verse speaks of the justice of God, who will ultimately bring accountability to those who have done evil.

**Psalm 91:9:**

"Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;"

This verse is a declaration of our commitment to God. We've chosen to make Him our refuge and habitation, the One who protects us from all harm. This commitment requires us to prioritize God above everything else, trusting in His presence and power to save us.

**Psalm 91:10:**

"There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."

In this final verse, we see a stunning declaration of God's protection. No evil will come near to us, nor will any plague or disaster threaten our lives. We'll live in the midst of peace and safety, shielded by the presence of God.

Psalm 91 is more than just a beautiful psalm or a set of comforting promises. It's a declaration of God's faithfulness to protect and care for those who trust in Him. As we dwell in the secret place of God, we'll find that He is our Refuge, our Fortress, and our Deliverer. He is the Shield of Faith, standing guard over us and defending us from all harm.