A Sovereign God
Protection, Authority and Dominion
Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust… Psalm 91:3–13 (KJV)
There is strength in these verses, a profound portrait of God’s protection that has depth and assurance. This message is about a covering that surrounds every aspect of life for those who choose to abide in His presence and put their trust in Him.
God's plan of protection in Psalm 91 is an expression of His love, faithfulness, and sovereign rule. There is nothing that can prevent His purpose or His plan.
He Rescues and Comfort
God promises to rescue us from hidden dangers by delivering us from the snare of the "fowler," those who set traps for our demise and destruction, and from the noisome pestilence which are fatal diseases that affect large populations.
In 2020, many of us witnessed His preserving power throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As a public servant, I engaged with many individuals, some who would later found out they were infected by the virus. Yet, God covered me. This was a season that many of us, including me, experienced painful losses, moments that literally took our breath away. The weight of that season was real, and the reality of death was all around us.
But God...
He assures us that although a thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, no danger shall come near us (Ps. 91:7, KJV). These were the living words that I found myself speaking aloud and rehearsing in my mind over and over again.
In spite of everything, I continued to fulfill my assignment and adhere to rules and regulations, as the world around us shifted in uncertainty. Yes, there were moments of deep sorrow, moments of reflection, and moments that tested my endurance, but in His arms, I found safety.
No Fear Here
Fear will try to rise up louder than faith, but we must find ourselves anchored by the promise that calms our soul.
When the enemy comes against us, we have no need to fear because we know in advance that the battle is already won. God's truth is our shield and buckler. He shields us from fiery darts, the attacks of the enemy. The buckler, an offensive weapon, a small shield held in the hand, illustrates how He advances towards our enemy and He fights for us when we stand firm in His truth. God is Jehovah-Gibbor Milchamah, One who is always Mighty in Battle.
Therefore, God commands us to never fear. We are not to be afraid of the terror by night, the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that walks in darkness or the destruction that lays waste at noonday (Ps. 91:5-6, KJV). While David wrote of the dangers that existed in his time, we are still surrounded by them today. Gun violence, criminal acts, and other threats are realities of living in a fallen world. Yet, God preserves His people from destruction as we remain in Him.
Each day is another opportunity to thank God for His covering and protection.
Discharging The Angels of The Lord.
Psalm 91:11–12 (KJV) reminds us that He will give His angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways. In their hands they shall bear us up, lest we dash our foot against a stone.
Think of all the times that we have stumbled hard but did not fall; it was the Angel of the Lord that prevented it. This truth applies spiritually and emotionally as well. Many of us have experienced devastating situations that were inconsolable, but somehow, we found the resiliency to bounce back. The power did not lie within our own strength; it was the angels of the Lord that ministered to us during those times of need.
God's protection is deliberate. He commands His angels to guard and guide, lift and support us so that even our smallest step is secure.
Once, coming home from work during an evening traffic jam, I ran out of gas while exiting one of the busiest freeways in Houston. I was immediately met by a complete stranger who, without emotion or conversation, guided me safely to the place where I needed to be. I knew then that God dispatched His angel of protection even before I thought to call on His name.
Authority and Dominion
A significant shift takes place in Psalm 91:13, Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder, the young lion and the dragon shall trample under feet. This verse moves us from God's protection to His given authority and dominion to overcome the enemy.
The lion, adder, young lion and dragon are symbolic of powerful enemies. Together, they represent every kind of evil opposition. They cover visible and hidden, natural and spiritual, subtle and aggressive forms of attacks.
The lion — represents a direct attack that is bold and aggressive.
The adder (serpent) — represents the hidden, subtle attack that strikes without warning
The young lion — represents the enemy with massive strength and force
The dragon — represents the ultimate evil, Satan himself
Jesus directly emphasizes this authority in Luke 10:19, Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. To tread upon or trample underfoot is a perfect picture of authority and dominion. This dominion given is not for us to become powerful of our own accord, but God enabling us to overcome opposition that would otherwise cause harm. It is granted by God. It carries divine backing and heavenly authority, making it binding in both the natural and spiritual realms.
Reflection
Looking back, I have seen God's hand of protection and His ministering angels discharged and encamped around me all of my life. It was evident from the almost fatal car accidents, illnesses, and other acts of evil that God did not allow to succeed.
God reveals His tender care in every aspect of our lives. He is not only concerned with the greatest dangers we may face, but with our daily walk as well. When we remain in His presence, we can rest because we know that His sovereign character guarantees His promises. His sovereignty is not distant or impersonal, but it is exercised moment by moment, day by day.
