Nightly Reassurance

Nightly Reassurance.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16, NIV).

The theme of Psalm 91 is the divine protection of the believer from sinister forces. The early Church stated clearly that this psalm was centering on the safety found in the presence of God from satanic attack. Such references as the lion, the cobra and the serpent were all symbols of demonic spirits and their powerless attacks against the believer. Satan himself used this psalm, or should we say misused it, when he quoted verse 12 during his temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:6). This psalm is prayed nightly around the world by a wide variety of Christians and Jews. In verses 14-16, the person speaking is the Lord Himself, addressing the believer who puts God first. What a reassurance as we peacefully drift off to sleep. Let this be the last thing we think of before we begin our rest.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will exalt him on high, because he knows and understands My name – he has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love and kindness – he trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Ps. 91:14-16, The Amplified Bible).

“Since he clings to me I rescue him; I raise him high since he acknowledges my name. He calls to me and I answer him. In distress I am at his side. I rescue him and bring him honor. I shall satisfy him with long life, and grant him to see my salvation.” (Ps. 91:14-16, New Jerusalem Bible).

“For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: ‘Because you have delighted in me as my great lover, I will greatly protect you. I will set you in a high place, safe and secure before my face. I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will find and feel my presence, even in your time of pressure and trouble. I will be your glorious hero and give you a feast. You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!” (Ps. 91:14-16, The Passion Translation).

“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”  (Ps. 91:14-16, the Message).