Psalm 91: If the Lord Protects, Why Does Disaster Still Strike?

The sky was overcast after school that day. Even though I ran as hard as I could, a few of my elementary school friends and I still “lost” our race against the rain. We took shelter on the porch of a food stall, and the owner invited us inside so we would not get soaked. Looking back, perhaps this was the moment I first came to know what God's protection in the Psalm is like 91.

While we were being served warm sweet tea, one friend chose to continue on through the rain. After the rain stopped, we went home and did not forget to thank the stall owner. Then what happened to my friend who chose to get drenched in the rain? The next day, he did not come to school because he was sick.

 

4 Things We Need to Know about the Lord's Protection

Reflecting again on that incident, I realize that God gives us protection whether we ask for it or not, whether we are aware of it or not.

Then, if God protects us, why does disaster still strike us? For example, we drive properly, yet we still get sideswiped by another vehicle. Why does God thwart what we have planned and worked for, even though we have already prayed for protection? Why do we get sick, even though we exercise and eat nutritious food?

Here are four things we need to know about the Lord's protection based on Psalm 91.

1.The Lord protects us from evil plans or deeds

“Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, from deadly pestilence. With His feathers He will cover you, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is your shield and wall. You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day ...” – Psalm 91:3-5

No matter how good we are to others, we cannot please everyone. Sometimes we can tell that someone does not like us from their behavior. At other times, someone may act kindly in front of us, yet intend evil behind our back. The problem is, are we able to detect every bad intention directed at us?

Even if we are unaware of someone's evil intent, God knows, and in His marvelous way, He delivers us from things that could harm us. God delivers us from traps and faithfully covers us under His mighty wings.

2. The Lord protects us from disease

“… from the pestilence that stalks in darkness, from the plague that rages at noon. Though a thousand fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, it will not come near you.” – Psalm 91:6-7

Health is a gift from God, but keeping ourselves healthy is our decision and effort.

Let us not blame God if we fall sick because of a poor lifestyle. Let us not be disappointed with God when someone we love is struck by a certain illness, even though they have tried to live healthily. If what happens does not match our hopes or plans, there are several things we should reflect on so that disappointment does not make us bitter.

Everyone has surely been sick before, and sickness is not pleasant. So, let's be thankful if we are given health so that we can still do various enjoyable activities.

3. God delivers us from disaster

“For THE LORD is your refuge, you have made the Most High your dwelling place, no disaster will befall you, no plague will come near your tent; for He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:9-11

A few years ago, I received an offer from a friend to invest in his business. When I asked my father and spiritual mentor, both of them told me not to. With a heavy heart, I followed their advice, even though I saw my friend's business prosper and him becoming richer. However, not long afterward his business collapsed. Many people then came after him because they felt they had been deceived by him.

Sometimes, God intentionally frustrates our plans to protect us. I do not think it was a coincidence that God used my father and spiritual mentor to deliver me from disaster. So, entrust your life to His protection and try always to see wisdom and the positive side in every situation.

4. Let your heart cling to the Lord

“Because his heart clings to Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name. When he calls to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” – Psalm 91:14-16

The proof that our hearts cling to the Lord is that we are willing to submit and carry out each of His commands. A person who knows the Lord will seek Him in any condition. He does not depend on his own understanding, but on the Lord.

We may protect ourselves in many ways, but the best protection comes from the Lord. And we will always see and experience the salvation that comes from the Lord throughout our lives, when our hearts are willing to cling to Him.

Whether from evil plans, disease, or disaster, God gives His protection in various forms and faithfully accompanies us in times of trouble. So, if all this time we have still been relying on things outside God to protect ourselves, repent. Let our hearts cling to Him because He alone is the only protection that can be trusted. Amen!

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• God Sees All
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• Why, What, and How Should We Be Thankful?
• Thanksgiving: Learning to Understand God's Blessings

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