Have you ever read something in the Bible and thought “This wasn’t here before”? If you’ve been walking with the Lord for a few years, this has likely happened to you. It highlights the facts that God’s Word is living. More than a historical or inspirational book, the Bible is relevant and applicable to our everyday life. Recently in my devotion, I felt lead to read Psalms 91. Even though I’ve memorized these verses, they came alive in a new way. Let’s dig into them together.
The overall theme of the chapter speaks of God’s protection in time of trouble. It was often quoted at the beginning of the pandemic last year. We all needed the reminder that God would keep us despite the calamity happening all around. But there’s a deeper message here. God also promises to rescue us. When I saw this word, it seemed out of place in comparison to the overall theme of protection. So, I looked up verses 3 and 14 in other translations and even in the Hebrew. It was in fact, the word rescue and sometimes the word deliver. To rescue implies that there was some sort of capture. That a trap or plot proved successful in securing its victim. But doesn’t protection mean that one would never succumb to danger?
Continuing to read, I skipped down to verse 13. It reads that we will “trample over lions and cobras” and that we will “crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet”. Now, most of us don’t live in a place with lions roaming about. Also, the little garden snakes are nothing in comparison to serpents. So why use these two animals? What is the importance of this symbolism? In searching for deeper meaning, I looked into a couple different commentaries and study tools. Both animals are meant to reference various types of traps. Just as the lion is visibly threatening, this symbol refers to the obvious and violent attempts to assault and harm us. On the other hand, the serpent refers to more subtle dangers. The ones that you don’t realize until you’re right up on them (like accidentally stepping on a snake). Surely, we can all think of an example of both. Whether it be the threat of nuclear bombs or mass shootings, or the asymptomatic person with a highly contagious virus. The traps were definitely set but they were ineffective against God’s people.
The end of Psalms 91 answers the question of why must He rescue instead of prevent me from encountering dangers. Verses 14-16 are actually the Lord speaking to the author of the chapter. He promises to rescue AND protect. He will be with you in times of trouble. He will honor those who trust in Him. As Christians, we are not promised a life without hardships and trouble. Since we live in a fallen world, attacks will come against us. However, we can take comfort in knowing that God walks with us through each of them. All we must do is call on Him. He will honor you and not let you be embarrassed for trusting in Him. There were so many times when God protected me from dangers seen and unseen. In looking back at the difficult times in my life, my heart is filled with gratitude. I can see His hand working all things out for my good in the end. He has done the same for you too! Ask Him to reveal where He was during the difficult moments in your life. You’ll be amazed to see that He’s always been there.
Be Encouraged! :)
Written by Christa Martina
FB Page: See Martina Write
Scripture References: Psalms 91: 3, 13-16 (NLT) “For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease…You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! 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.”
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