Psalm 91 is an assuring prayer of protection for ourselves and our loved ones. It’s a good psalm to memorize and pray every day. Let's focus on verse five: "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day."
In context, we know this psalm is for those who have an abiding, love relationship with the Lord (Psalm 91:1-2, 14-15). It’s a psalm declaring God’s desire to protect us from Satan, if we will only seek God's presence and protection. So, when we’re children of God, in an abiding relationship, acknowledging our dependence upon Him, seeking our shelter in Him, we will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day. That’s a strong promise!
This psalm refers to the fowler, the lion and the serpent -- descriptions of Satan. One of the enemy's strongest weapons against us is fear. He tries to make us afraid. But he can’t unless we allow it.
Of course, all fearful thoughts aren’t from the enemy or his demons. We’re quite capable of scaring ourselves, or allowing ourselves to be frightened by the world. But the remedy is the same -- to be so close to the Lord that we are confident of His protection, choosing not to give in to fear.
Instead, when we feel afraid, we choose to pray, acknowledging God as our refuge and fortress, our shield and rampart, as one Who covers us with His feathers and shelters us beneath His wings.
Pray with us now—Lord, this world can be a frightening place. We want to know You better, to abide in You. Help us to do that. Give us confidence in You, so that we won't be afraid. Deliver us and protect us from the enemy, even our own anxious thoughts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We live in a time when it is easy to overlook the ordinary. In fact, we often find ways to grumble about it, when there is a simple beauty that we have failed to see and appreciate. It sounds cliché, but it is true that we have much to be deeply thankful for.