God’s got you! That’s a comforting thought, right? It’s true. And one of the most encouraging Psalms speaks of this: Psalm 91. I’m sure you have read this chapter a thousand times and maybe even memorized it. This chapter is all about God’s protection and the psalmist lists four ways that God protects us. Let’s examine them…
God protects us with…
His feathers! We read in Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.” This is a picture of a mama bird protecting her babies. She hovers over them, stretches out her wings, and keeps them safe from the storms, the enemy, and from being hurt. I was visiting my sister last year and a Robin had built a nest right off their back deck. When we got too close, the mama would yell at us… “Stay away from my babies.” And then she would put her wings over them. What a beautiful picture of what our Heavenly Father does for us.
God protects us with…
His promises! We read in Psalm 91:4: “His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Throughout Scripture, God has given us promises… promises we can hold onto. He promises us His enduring love (Romans 8:35); unmeasured peace (Isaiah 26:3); His presence (James 4:8); victory (Romans 8:37); and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:4-5)… among so many more.
Let me ask… are you clinging to His promises today? Let me encourage you to find a promise you need right now, write it down, and then say it out loud again and again. When you do this, it will take root in your heart and you will believe it.
God protects us with…
His angels! We read in Psalm 91:11-12: “For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so that you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.” Angels in the Bible are not meant to be worshiped but they are vessels that God uses. Gabriel is the bearer of Good News (he brought the news about Jesus). Michael is a warrior who is right now fighting in the spiritual realm (we see this is in Daniel and Revelation). Other angels are sent to warn of impending judgment. But most angels are sent as ministering spirits. We see this in 1 Kings 19:5 when God sent an angel to help Elijah in his depression. And again, in Luke 22:43 when God sent an angel to strengthen Jesus just before His death. He does the same for us. He may send a myriad of angels to help us, hold us, and protect us.
God protects us with…
His name! We read in Psalm 91:14: “The LORD says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” Studying the names of God can truly open our eyes to our God. He is the Almighty, the Most High, the Great One, the Eternal One. He is our Rock, our Savior, our Defender, our King, our Redeemer. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let me encourage you to find names of God today in Scripture, pour over this name, and then say it out loud. Find other passages where this name is revealed. His name is a powerful protector.
Now, you may think… well, I don’t always feel protected. I feel insecure, unsafe in this world, unguarded, and vulnerable. If this is how you’re feeling right now, perhaps it’s because you haven’t done what Psalm 91:1 says… you’re not dwelling (or living) in the shelter God has provided. Maybe it’s because you haven’t been resting in His presence. Because it’s in His presence where we are truly protected. It’s in His presence where safety is found. With that said, let me encourage you to make this a daily habit so that you’ll feel safe and secure.