Meaning of Psalm 91
Psalm 91 is a prayer of trust and confidence in God. It describes the Lord as refuge and fortress and expresses faith in his protection. God shelters his people from hidden traps and destructive disease, covering them beneath his wings.
The psalm says that those who trust in God need not fear the terror of night or the danger that comes by day. Even when destruction surrounds them, they remain in the care of the Most High.
God commands his angels to guard the faithful along their paths and uphold them so that they do not strike their feet against a stone. The Lord promises to answer those who call, remain with them in distress, deliver them, and reveal his salvation.
Psalm 91 does not promise a life without suffering. It is a prayer of confidence that God remains present, protective, and faithful in every danger and difficulty.
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest beneath the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."
3 He will deliver you from the hunter's snare and from destructive disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and beneath his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and protection.
5 You will not fear the terror of night or the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor disease that moves in darkness, nor destruction that strikes at noon.
7 Though a thousand fall beside you and ten thousand at your right hand, it will not overcome you.
8 You will look with your own eyes and witness the consequence of evil.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge and the Most High your dwelling,
10 no evil will conquer you, and no plague 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 in their hands so that your foot does not strike a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the serpent; you will trample the young lion and the dragon.
14 "Because this person loves me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name.
15 When he calls upon me, I will answer. I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
16 I will satisfy him with fullness of days and show him my salvation."