The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation.” – Psalm 91:15-16 NLT
Where Did Psalm 91 Come From?
Psalm 91 is attributed to Moses by both Jewish tradition and most modern scholars. Because it carries on the idea of many of the themes in Psalm 90 (“the Prayer of Moses”), it was likely written as Moses ascended Mount Sinai during the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Some sources attribute the writings to David or believe that it is best to label it as an anonymous contribution to the psalms. Despite the traditional teaching of Mosaic authorship, it is also sometimes called an “orphan psalm” because the author doesn’t explicitly identify themselves directly.
What Does Psalm 91 Mean?
The psalm speaks of God’s protection and has been used for centuries to turn the hearts and minds of worried and anxious people onto the Lord. The promises of Psalm 91 offer relief from fear and stress by trusting in the Almighty. The psalmist encourages us to receive this promise of protection by abiding in the presence of God, using imagery like “shelter,” “shadow,” and “refuge” to describe God as a place of safety.
The psalm balances descriptions of God with exhortations to not be afraid of terrors, darkness, disease, disasters, and more––all while promising us freedom from the fear of being overcome by evil and trials. As God watches over us, He sends His angels to protect us wherever we go.
Does Psalm 91 Apply to Us Today?
God’s Word, the Bible, gives us eternal truths. Psalm 91 is no exception and should be received with open arms by God’s people today. The promises He makes are not specific to one people group or time period––they’re an extension of His love to all believers past, present, and future.
The Bible is full of similar promises of God’s everlasting presence and protection in our lives. We can be confident that everything Moses wrote about God’s safety and security is just as true for people today. As you read through the lines of the psalm, remind yourself that God has given all of these same promises to you.
How Can I Receive the Promises of Psalm 91?
The last three verses of Psalm 91 are central to receiving the promises of God throughout the chapter: The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation” (Psalm 91:15-16 NLT).
Rescue comes to those who love God. Protection is guaranteed when we trust in His name. His voice beckons us near when we call out to Him. When anxiety and stress seem too much to manage, take refuge in the Lord, knowing that He will be with you in times of trouble and will honor you and reward you with long life through His salvation.
Related Resource: How to Pray Psalm 91 Over My Life
