By Will Kynes, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Samford University
Shaking Off Fear
Psalm 91:1–6, 9–16
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact people across the globe, how should we think of the psalmist’s promise, “Surely he will save you … from the deadly pestilence” (v. 3)? In the past, Jews and Christians have worn words from this psalm in amulets as protection from danger.
Though we may approve of the faith they put in the truth and power of Scripture, attributing magical power to the words is surely to misunderstand them.
But if they don’t guarantee divine protection, what purpose do these promises serve?
When fear strikes, trust God’s power. (1–6)
As this virus has raged for month after month, it is tempting to tumble into despair and lose hope of ever escaping its clutches.
Suffering often feels overpowering when we are in the midst of it. However, Psalm 91 reminds us that God is more powerful than the afflictions we face.
If, with all our scientific knowledge, we still feel helpless against COVID-19, imagine how terrifying “pestilence” and “plague” would have been for ancient Israelites.
And yet, the psalmist proclaims, “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress.’”
Nothing — not the terror of night, the arrow that flies by day, pestilence or plague — is beyond God’s control.
As the New Testament proclaims, nothing can separate us “from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39).
When fear strikes, trust God’s protection. (9–13)
The psalmist moves then to the protection available: “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge.’”
It appears that already in the first century, these promises were considered a talisman against danger because the devil uses that interpretation to tempt Jesus in the wilderness.
After Jesus has quoted Scripture’s instruction, “… man shall not live on bread alone” (Deut. 8:3), to resist the devil’s temptation (Luke 4:3–4), the devil attempts to beat Jesus at His own game.
He takes Jesus to the highest point of the temple and dares Him to throw Himself off because the psalm claims that God will send angels to protect those who believe (Luke 4:9–11).
But Jesus responds, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Luke 4:12), citing Deut. 6:16. Jesus’ response to the devil’s temptation indicates it would be misinterpreting Psalm 91 to conclude it gives those with faith immunity from any danger.
God’s promises are not to be used for self-aggrandizement, for in so doing, we stray from trusting God.
When fear strikes, walk with God. (14–16)
It is significant then that the psalm ends with what the Lord says: “Because he loves me, I will rescue him.”
The Hebrew word for “love” here, hshq, is unusual. In the few places it appears, it describes a passionate, even inexplicable, affection. This includes intense desire for a woman (Gen. 34:8; Deut. 21:11) and the reason-defying devotion the Lord, to whom the heavens and earth belong (Deut. 10:14–15), has for Israel, “the fewest of all peoples” (Deut. 7:7).
Deuteronomy connects loving the Lord with walking in obedience to Him and fearing Him (Deut. 10:12). If we fear the Lord by loving and obeying Him, we will not need to fear anything else.
As Jesus’ life, death and resurrection demonstrate, even perfect love for the Father will not guarantee freedom from suffering, but we can trust God ultimately to deliver us. As Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
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