January 6
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PSALM 91-GOD’S PROTECTION TO THOSE WHO HOLD FAST TO HIM
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he
knows my name.15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” – Psalm 91:11-16
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In the last verses of this psalm, we are given an actual illustration of God’s protection to those who love Him. In our world today, there is a fascination with heavenly beings especially angels. We see sculptures, paintings and even jewelry or small figurines of angels. The bible gives us a clearer image of these heavenly being. In 2 Samuel14:17, it says that they can discern good and evil. In Hebrews 1:14, they are described as ministering spirits to those who inherit salvation. In Luke 20:36, they are called God’s children. In Revelations 14:6, we are given a picture of them flying in midair who had the purpose to proclaim the gospel to those who live on earth-to every nation, tribe, language and people. After hearing what the bible has to say about these heavenly beings, we can now begin to picture how God assigns all these angels to guard all those who belong to Him. In verse 12, it is clearly depicted that they will bear you up. In other words, they will lift you up and make sure, not even your foot is harmed by anything, not even a stone. What a comfort to know that even though we don’t see them, they are there to ensure we are protected. In verse 13, this is almost prophetic and refers to Jesus, who crushes the serpent and the young lion. In other words, those who believe in the Lord, will have authority over these wild creatures and these animals will never hurt them at all.
The following verses are more assurances of God’s love because he promises deliverance and protection to all those who know his name. Verse 15 sounds almost like a caress from God that soothes our whole being. He will answer us when we are in trouble. He will come to liberate or free us. In verse 16, is another promise of long life and satisfaction and contentment to those who belongs to him. What a faithful lover!
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REFLECTION
• How has God manifested his protection on you all these years that you have served him?
• Why is it important to be reminded of the protection that God provides us?