Psalm 91: Divine Protection in the Time of Trouble

Psalm 91

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Psalm 91 is a profound promise of divine protection specifically designed for those who will live through the time of trouble just before Christ's second comingARSH July 12, 1864, page 55.7+1. This psalm describes the secret place of the Most High where the faithful will hide during the seven last plagues, which constitute the unmingled wrath of GodPTUK April 27, 1899, page 261.2+1.

The Fortress in the Time of Trouble

As the world enters a period of strife and destruction such as never was, the promises of Psalm 91 provide a literal shield for the righteous Daniel 12:1PTUK April 27, 1899, page 261.2. While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, the Lord will be the hope and strength of His people Joel 3:16GC 629.2.

• Protection from Plagues: Those who have made the Lord their habitation are promised that no evil shall befall them and no plague shall come near their dwelling Psalms 91:9-10ARSH July 12, 1864, page 55.7.

• Angelic Guardians: Holy angels are commissioned to guard the heirs of salvation, pressing back the powers of darkness and bearing the saints up in their hands to ensure their safety Psalms 91:11-12RH March 21, 1899, par. 7.

• Security Amidst Destruction: Even though a thousand may fall at their side and ten thousand at their right hand, the destruction will not come near the faithful child of God Psalms 91:7.

Conditions for the Promise

To claim these protections during the final conflict, believers must fulfill specific spiritual requirements todayRH August 12, 1884, par. 10+1.

• Reflecting Christ's Image: Those who receive the seal of God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fullyExV 58.2.

• The Seal of God: This shield is provided to those whose names are in the Book of Life and who have received the seal of the living God prior to the close of probationEVRR237+1.

• Putting on the Armor: It is essential to put on the whole armor of God now to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and withstand in the evil day Ephesians 6:114SP 329.2+1.

The Experience of the Saints

During the time of Jacob's trouble, the saints will suffer great mental anguish and privation, but they will not be left to perishEW 283.1+1.

• Divine Sustenance: Just as God cared for Elijah, He will supply the wants of the righteous; their bread shall be given them and their waters shall be sure Isaiah 33:16GC 629.2+1.

• The Voice of Deliverance: In the hour of utmost extremity, when the wicked are prepared to strike the death blow, God will interpose with His voice to deliver His chosen peopleTA 276.1+1.

• Final Victory: The 144,000 will triumph over the beast and his image, their faces lighted up with the glory of God as they are ushered into the heavenly CanaanLS 117.1+1.

Psalm 91 serves as a "shield and buckler" for the remnant, ensuring that those who have trusted in the Almighty will be hidden in His pavilion until the indignation is overpast Psalms 91:4ARSH January 20, 1853, page 144.9+1.