The Protective Promises of Psalm 91Sample

Day 6: You Shall Not Be Afraid

Continuing our journey through Psalm 91, verses 5 and 6 say, “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday” (Psalm 91:5-6).

The Hebrew meaning of “afraid” is to dread or to fear, so this verse is first telling us that if we abide in the shadow of the Almighty, we do not have to fear any of these threats listed in verses 5 and 6.

The word “terror” in Hebrew describes a dreadful fear or terror, and the words “by night” literally mean by night. Remember, when the children of Israel left Egypt and were in the wilderness, they experienced many challenges, which included the frightening shrieks and screams of animals in the night. In fact, nighttime in the wilderness was likely a time when everyone was sensitive to every sound around them. Indeed, the Israelites were confronted with real terror. Yet through Moses, God said, “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night.” This verse tells us that we simply don’t have to experience that terror.

The next part tells us not to be afraid of “...the arrow that flieth by day.” In Hebrew, the word “arrow” means dart or that which pierces, and the phrase “that flieth” describes something that flies and expresses the idea of both speed and surprise. Furthermore, the words “by day” literally mean in the daytime.

Therefore, when we read about the “arrow that flieth by day,” we should understand a reference to outright, visible attacks from the enemy, attacks that happen in plain sight, and God is guaranteeing protection against such attacks.

Verse 6 continues the pattern, talking about “the pestilence that walketh in the darkness” and “the destruction that wasteth at noonday”

In Hebrew, the word “pestilence” means a pestilence, a plague, or thorns. Figuratively, it speaks of sticky or thorny situations. Interestingly, this word is related to a Hebrew word that means to speak, and can thus infer sticky or thorny situations that result from spoken words. Careless words are undoubtedly responsible for so much deep hurt and so many broken relationships, but according to Psalm 91:6, if you abide in the shadow of the Almighty, you don’t have to be afraid of sticky situations that come from what others have said or alleged.

Psalm 91:6 goes on to say that we don’t need to be afraid of “...the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” In Hebrew, the word “destruction” refers to anything that destroys, and “wasteth” means to lay waste, to violently lay waste, or to completely ruin. As in verse 5, this is an attack carried out in broad daylight, and its intention is to totally ruin everything in your life. However, if you’re abiding in the shadow of the Almighty, it simply can not succeed.

In these verses, God guarantees protection against any such attack — day or night. Remember, He is your Shelter, your Hiding Place, and your Refuge. There is no safer place on the planet than the secret place of the Most High, so don’t abandon the place of abiding! Stay in step with the Lord. Spend time with Him, cling to Him, hold tightly to His Word, and live under His wings in His presence. If you are in the secret place of Jesus Christ, His supernatural hedge of protection will keep you safe, regardless of the time or type of attack that comes.

For Your Consideration:

• Do you experience terror at night that disturbs your sleep and peace? Reflect on the promise of Psalm 91:5 and declare it over your life.
• These verses promise protections from all kinds of attacks. What different kinds of attacks are you experiencing right now? Take a moment to realize that God’s promise covers all of them, no matter how different they are!