Do you know the feeling of impending trouble, that knot in your stomach as you think about a situation that threatens to overwhelm you? Does it make you feel alone and vulnerable? God has something good to say to you about it, in Psalm 91. Take 15 minutes to hear Him speak.
As you immerse yourself in this psalm today, notice the verbs. Who is doing each action? Is it active or passive?
Play the song below and read the text as you listen. Read it repeatedly, and focus on the text more than the song. I find it best to listen and read twice, discovering even more the second time through. Enjoy, but before you begin, ask the Lord to give you what your heart needs today.
Psalm 91, by The Sons of Korah. Album: Wait. Buy here.
Psalm 91 (NIV)
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Questions:
1. What stood out to you?
2. Did you notice a difference between the verbs describing the Lord’s actions, and ours? The Lord is the one who commands, lifts, guards, protects, and saves, right? What is the author doing? What does that mean for you and me ?
3. How would you summarize this psalm in your own words?
Learn more about the Psalms, the Sons of Korah, and order their music at: sonsofkorah.com
I love this, my heart love this; why did it take so long to find this beauty! Thank you, Pastor Chris! You draw us near to God’s Heart of mercy, of love and to the sweetness of His Psalms.
I came across the beautiful music of Psalm 91when I was in a troubled time and it really pulled me through. At the moment I heard it it soothed my soul and turned my sorrow into great joy. It’s just so beautiful. Thanks to everyone on here who is creatively gifted to bring the psalms to life
Psalm 91 is a real protector for me.
Thank you for this article.
God bless you.