Psalm 91

PSALM 91: “You who live in the shelter of the Most High,

   who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,

will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;

   my God, in whom I trust.’

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

   and from the deadly pestilence;

he will cover you with his pinions,

   and under his wings you will find refuge;

   his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night,

   or the arrow that flies by day,

or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

   or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

   ten thousand at your right hand,

   but it will not come near you.

You will only look with your eyes

   and see the punishment of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge,

   the Most High your dwelling place,

no evil shall befall you,

   no scourge come near your tent.

 

For he will command his angels concerning you

   to guard you in all your ways.

On their hands they will bear you up,

   so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the adder,

   the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

Those who love me, I will deliver;

   I will protect those who know my name.

When they call to me, I will answer them;

   I will be with them in trouble,

   I will rescue them and honor them.

With long life I will satisfy them,

   and show them my salvation.”

Comment:

Perhaps best known as one of the biblical passages by which Jesus is tempted in the wilderness (cf. Matthew 4:5), these powerful words constitute a ringing affirmation of the Power of God as absolute protection through any challenges life may offer. Metaphysically, we understand “angels” to represent divine ideas, emanating from Divine Mind and carrying divine guidance, wisdom, and inspiration to our human consciousness. They won't break down our resistance and force their way in, these angels. We must make our consciousness open and receptive to these divine ideas, placing our trust in them rather than in our limited human perspective. When we do—when we choose to dwell in the place of the Most High within us—it is assured that we will be guided safely through all challenges. 

It's important to note that there will still be challenges to face. The promise isn't that all challenges will melt away, but that by trusting in our Oneness with Divine Mind, we will move through challenges easily and fearlessly. The curse of another can have absolutely no effect unless we believe in its power. We are the Christ in expression, and if we know that and claim that, there is no power that can affect us or block us from our good.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed