Monday, April 6, 2009

Psalm 91

Have you read Psalm 91 lately? Do you remember what it says? I am currently reading the book "Psalm 91 God's Shield of Protection" by Peggy Joyce Ruth. I am not that far into this book yet but just thought that I would post a reminder about Psalm 91. The author of this book, breaks down Psalm 91 verse by verse and expounds upon the scriptures and encourages us with some touching illustrations. The second half of this book is of testimonies...I'm not there yet but can't wait to be encouraged in my faith with real stories of God moving in the lives of His people.

This Psalm is often referred to as the Soldier's Psalm and since our country is still in a war, I think it is good to be reminded of this. Many mothers and wives pray this Psalm for their sons, daughters and husbands who are deployed, serving in a war zone. You will see blanks in the scripture I quote below...those blanks are the places where a pronoun has been removed and you can put the name of a soldier that you know who is in the midst of the war.

__________ dwells in the shelter of the Most High and ___________ abides in the shadow of the Almighty. __________ says to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in who I trust!" For it is God who delivers __________ from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence (fatal, infectious disease). God will cover __________ with His pinions, and under His wings __________ may seek refuge; God's faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
__________ will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A 1000 may fall at __________'s side, and 10,000 at __________ right; but is shall not approach __________. __________ will only look on with __________ eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked. For __________ has made the Lord, his/her refuge, even the Most High, ________'s dwelling place. No evil will befall __________ nor will any plague come near ___________'s tent. For He will give His angel's charge concerning __________ to guard __________ in all his/her ways. They will bear __________ up in their hands, lest __________ strike his/her foot against a stone. __________ will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent he/she will trample down.
Because __________ has loved Me (God said), there I will deliver him/her; I will set __________ securely on high, because __________ has known My name. __________ will call on Me, and I will answer _________. I will be with __________ in trouble; I will rescue __________ and honor __________. With a long life I will satisfy __________, and let him/her behold My salvation.

Maybe you have a friend, loved one or neighbor who is currently deployed as a result of the war....take time to pray for them each day.... Lifting them up by name to the Lord. And while you are praying for the soldier, don't forget to pray for his/her family too!