My Big Sister's Advice

My sister, now asleep and awaiting the LORD's return, was always concerned that her fledgling Christian younger brother (me!) was regularly reading his Bible.

 

She used to advise me that Psalm 91 was an accessible and edifying read, even when I was very tired (or as I suspected when she thought her little brother was too ill disciplined) to read anything else.  She said the Psalm was all about being secure in God's protection. 

 

For me, now a little more mature in my walk with God, I see the Psalm as having two distinct voices; the first voice assures the faithful of God's protection and; the second voice is that of the LORD Himself who likewise pledges His watchful care.

 

So in fond remembrance of my big (and very, concerned and caring) sister here is Psalm 91 in all its glory.

 

First voice

 

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

 

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

 

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler [trapper of birds], and the noisome [deadly] pestilence.

 

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

 

Thou shalt not be afraid for [of] the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walk in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth [lays waste] at noon-day.

 

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

 

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

 

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation[dwelling place]; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh they dwelling.

 

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

 

They shall bear [lift] thee up in their hands, lest thou dash [strike] thy foot against a stone.

 

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder [cobra] the young lion and the dragon [serpent] shalt thou trample under feet.

 

Second voice

 

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

 

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

 

With long [length of days] life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.