Fear and Psalm 91

Fear and Psalm 91

Fear.

I struggle, at times, with fear.

I admit it.

Though the Lord says “fear not”, it still comes for me in the night. It sits on my chest. It’s weight – as heavy as an elephant. It’s air – as thick as an August afternoon.

When the fear comes, the night feels dark. But, in the light of the morning, it’s often Psalm 91 that brings me back … 

Psalm 91

I’ve prayed it over our home.

Over our family.

Over my husband as he travels.

I’ve prayed it over my children.

Over their school. 

I prayed it around the pandemic.

I’ve prayed it at medical appointments.

I’ve prayed it and I’ll continue to pray it. I’ll lean into it. I’ll believe it. It brings God near. It brings me comfort.

I felt led to share this today. Psalm 91 in full. Right here. In case you need it. It’s for me. It’s for you too.

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

    he is my God, and I trust him.

3 For he will rescue you from every trap

    and protect you from deadly disease.

4 He will cover you with his feathers.

    He will shelter you with his wings.

    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

    nor the arrow that flies in the day.

6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side,

    though ten thousand are dying around you,

    these evils will not touch you.

8 Just open your eyes,

    and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,

    if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you;

    no plague will come near your home.

11 For he will order his angels

    to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you up with their hands

    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;

    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

    I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer;

    I will be with them in trouble.

    I will rescue and honor them.

16 I will reward them with a long life

    and give them my salvation.”