Today's Bible reading is from Psalm 91.
I'm reading from the NIV version.
After our reading we will reflect on the key themes of this psalm and also finish with some prayer.
While I read to you I encourage you to relax and open your mind to receiving this message of faith and comfort.
Psalm 91 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.
Surely he will save you from the foulest snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge.
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
Nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
Ten thousand at your right hand,
But it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
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.
No disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
They will lift you up in their hands,
So that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra.
You will trample the great lion and the serpent.
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 honour him.
With a long life,
I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
Psalm 91 is often referred to as the Psalm of Protection.
It emphasises our trust in God's ability to protect and deliver us from harm.
God is a refuge and a fortress for those who seek shelter in him,
Offering protection from dangers,
Diseases and enemies.
It is a reassurance that those who dwell in God's presence will be guarded by angels and granted long life,
Peace and salvation.
As believers,
We are encouraged to rely on God's strength and promises in times of trouble,
Trusting that he will provide safety and deliverance.
Applying Psalm 91 to our lives means learning to rely on God for strength,
Protection and peace,
Especially in challenging times.
Here are some practical ways we can do this.
Number one,
Seeking refuge in prayer.
Like the psalmist describes God as a fortress,
We can turn to God in prayer as our safe space,
Especially when we feel anxious or threatened.
Number two,
Practice trust and let go of fear.
Embracing this message means choosing faith over fear.
When we're uncertain,
We can remind ourselves that God is watching over us,
Providing peace,
Even when we don't understand the circumstances.
Number three,
Staying close to God daily.
Just as Psalm 91 speaks of dwelling in God's presence,
We can create a routine of connecting with God through scripture,
Meditation or worship,
Which brings a sense of comfort and security.
Number four,
Remember God's protection and challenges.
When life feels overwhelming,
We can hold onto the promises of God's protection,
Drawing strength from verses such as,
He will command his angels concerning you.
This means trusting that we are not alone in our struggles.
Number five,
Encouraging others.
We can share this message of comfort with friends and family,
Reminding them of God's presence and care during difficult times.
Join me in prayer as we seek comfort and protection.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you seeking your shelter and protection.
Just as you promised in Psalm 91,
I trust that you are my refuge and fortress.
Surround me with your presence and guard me from anything that seeks to harm me,
Physically or spiritually.
When I feel afraid or uncertain,
Remind me of your strength and love.
Help me to fully rely on you,
Knowing that your angels watch over me.
Give me peace in my heart and in my heart.
Give me peace in my heart and courage to face whatever lies ahead,
Knowing that you are with me every step of the way.
Thank you,
Lord,
For your faithful protection,
Your unending love and the assurance that I'm never alone.
I place my trust in you and rest in your promises.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.