The world can be a threatening, dangerous place — we all know this. From sickness and disease to earthly trials such as famine or air and water pollution, our bodies are threatened. But we also have very real foes to contend with, enemies in our community or nation who put our lives and well-being at stake.
Even those of us who live in relative safety and security understand the struggles of life, many caused by nothing but simple chance.
Perhaps that is why so many people draw deep comfort from one of the psalms in particular: Psalm 91. Its message of the perfect protection provided by our Heavenly Father resonates in our souls, calming our fears and helping us keep our sights on the One who can do something about our problems. That One is God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
Let’s take a look here at what is the meaning of Psalm 91 and why it is popular.
Who Wrote Psalm 91?
While many of the psalms were written by or for King David, it is not clear who wrote Psalm 91. No author is identified in the psalm. However, as it comes after Psalm 90, which was attributed to Moses, many people believe Moses wrote Psalm 91.
The Midrash, which is the Jewish interpretation of the Talmud, notes that Moses composed Psalm 91. Some scholars believe it was originally composed by Moses and then compiled by David, possibly with some modifications.
If David wrote it, it was probably during his reign as king — around 1000 BCE. If it was by Moses, it was probably during the Israelites’ 40 years in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land.
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 91?
Psalm 91 is about a trusting and faithful person who affirms his status as safe and secure even during a tie of calamity and distress. This is because this righteous person is protected by God above, who provides shelter, shadow, refuge, and more.
It begins with the reassuring reminder that “whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2).
Then the psalm explains that God covers those who genuinely trust in Him “with his feathers, and under his wings” (v. 4).
Nothing can touch this trusting soul, not arrows or pestilence or terror or plague. All around him, others will fall, but he will not, for God is his “shied and rampart” (v. 4).
Likewise, the psalm assures us, we can have this same sort of protection if we trust in the Lord. The angels will lift us up in their hands, and we will trample the lion and serpent.
As Psalm 91:9-10 assures, “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.”
The psalm ends with God affirming all of this, promising, “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation’” (Psalm 91:14-16).
Bottom line: God will protect and shield all those who truly trust in Him.
Why Is Psalm 91 So Popular?
It’s no surprise that Psalm 91 is so popular. Not only is it a reassurance of protection for those who love and put their faith in God, but it’s a direct promise from God for all who do the same: I will be with him. I will deliver him.
In a world plagued by so many difficulties, it is heartening and encouraging to have these assurances.
You are not alone, the psalm is saying. All around you, things look dire, but take heart — it will be okay, for God is holding you close.
It’s perhaps the same reason so many people cling to Jesus’ promises to his disciples in the Gospel of John.
As he says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
And later, in John 16:33, he says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Have peace. Take heart. Don’t worry.
All of these comforting sentiments are like a balm to the Christian tossed upon the waters of a turbulent sea, terrified as difficulties overcome so many.
Everything will be better than okay — it will be good, and right, and beautiful, for God Almighty, God the “Most High,” is handling our situation.
It’s the same sentiment God expressed to Joshua upon entering the Promised Land: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Why Pray Psalm 91?
Indeed, many Christians utter the words of Psalm 91 as a direct prayer to God during times of despair. Bereft of their own words, they speak these words of comfort both as a plea and as a way to instill confidence in God’s direct and intentional promise to His people.
Imagine you are huddled in a war-torn nation, fearing for your life. Then a whisper begins in your heart: the Lord is my refuge. The Lord is my fortress.
Imagine your loved one has been in an accident, and you are terrified. Imagine the enemy, Satan, is attacking you with spiritual warfare or bombarding you with strife and temptation.
In times like these, there is nothing you can do but put your hope and faith in the Lord, calling out to the Alpha and the Omega, the king of the universe, to shelter you and keep you safe.
Does Psalm 91 Only Promise Physical Protection?
Psalm 91 is a promise of all kinds of divine protection from the Lord. Not only will God over us with his feather and shield us physically, but he’ll rescue us. Further, God will send us supernatural aid in the form of angels to help us prevail. He also promises salvation and eternal life for those of us who believe in him.
Is Psalm 91 Mentioned Elsewhere in Scripture?
Jesus references the psalm in Luke 10:19, telling his disciples, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” The devil also uses elements of this psalm in his attempts to sway Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:9-11).
Of course, Jesus countered that manipulative attempt with another truth from Scripture: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Deuteronomy 6:16).
If you are experiencing difficulty or find yourself in fear, perhaps Psalm 91 will speak to your heart, helping you remember what we all can trust in: God is with us, God takes care of us, and God will prevail.
All we need to do is believe and put our faith in Him.
Thanks be to God!
For further reading:
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 23 and Why Is it Popular?
What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 31 and Why Is it Popular?
What Is the Meaning of Philippians 4 and Why Is it Popular?
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