If you’ve been following our daily tweets, then you read about the evil illegal invaders Depression + dejection recently. With life being as unpredictable and rough as it is sometimes to get through it, it is easy to become depressed by daily trials and tribulations and dejected because of the overwhelming weight of having to deal with it all and go through it all…Sometimes the loads of problems that are dropped upon you can be so over the top, it is almost impossible to not sink into the ruts of depression or dejection…..But did you know that God knew that we would experience times in life when we would sink down low and either become depressed or dejected and need a way out or a way up? Did you know that God has created a safe place of escape for you for those times?

The writer of Psalm 91 invites you to escape your trials and tribulations and run to the safe shelter of God’s protection whenever you are overwhelmed by life’s sorrows, pains and ups and downs. God’s presence offers soothing comfort from a troubled world laced with grief and pain. Sometimes the weight of so many problems is enough to drive you to the brink of insanity and make you want to jump off of a cliff and not even bother to look back. Come escape from it all with us, read on and discover how the presence of God can be your safe place, your shelter from the storms of life and your dwelling place when you feel like you just can’t take it anymore.

Psalm 91 is marked by three sections, each designated by the use of a pronoun. Verses 1–2 are marked by the pronoun “I” as the Psalmist expresses personal faith. In the second section (vv. 3–13) the pronoun is switched to “you,” noting the words are expressed to the reader. Finally verses 14 and 16 powerfully reveal God as the author as the pronoun becomes “I,” showing divine authorship. Here God speaks directly to the reader. Throughout this great Psalm there is one consistent theme — the protection of the Lord. God would not have His followers live in fear, but faith.

God’s faithfulness means we can count on His protection. (1–4)

Within these verses we have four names of God expressed. The Psalmist calls Him “The Most High” (El Elyon), “The Almighty” (El Shaddai), “The Lord” (Yahweh) and “my God” (Elohim). These are power-packed verses because the names express essential characteristics of God’s attributes. El Elyon speaks of His position (He alone is God). El Shaddai speaks of His power (no other is comparable). Yahweh speaks of His personal nature (He initiates the relationship). And Elohim speaks of His trustworthiness. Believers can stand on the strength and truth of those great titles.

The Psalmist also gives four metaphors to express God’s protection. God will be our “shelter” and “shadow” (v. 1) and our “refuge” and “fortress” (v. 2). When we live in close fellowship with Him we can trust that He will be a great fortress for us. Verses 3–4 reveal the way He will protect us, both with tenderness and toughness.

Two images are given: a mother bird and an armor bearer. God tenderly tucks us underneath His wing and gives us armored protection with toughness.

God’s sovereignty means He can protect us in all things. (9–11)

Some versions begin these verses with the word “if.” This seems to be in line with the original language. This puts a condition on the protection the psalm has promised. “If you make the Lord your refuge” (v. 9). The verse denotes a continual trusting, not merely running to Him when calamity strikes.

Of course verse 11 is well known among believers. It also was well known to the devil as he attempted to tempt Jesus (Matt. 4:1–11). It is the only verse of Scripture actually quoted by the devil. Satan misquoted the verse leaving out the phrase, “in all your ways.” This was done intentionally to avoid the ways marked out by the Father. He knew that “in all your ways” would include the redemption of man which needed to be avoided in order for him to continually threaten believers with death and hell.

Verse 11 also reminds the believer that we function in a spiritual realm. There is a spiritual battle taking place and it is a battle for our lives. While God gives angels charge over His children, we also are reminded by Paul in Ephesians 6:12 that we wrestle against “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the Heavenly places.” Believers should be comforted to know God has “charged” or “ordered” His angels to keep watch.

A loving relationship with God keeps us under His protection. (14–16)

To end this great Psalm, God affirms by giving declarative statements. These statements seal what the Psalmist has been saying. Notice the declarative statements — God promises to rescue, protect, deliver, answer and satisfy the one who makes God the object of his love. The promises of the Psalm are conditional; therefore You must examine Your heart in order to receive them.

By K. Blackwell & Evangelist Wendy Evans