Some psalms are on everyone’s list of favorites. They contain evocative phrases and describe jaw-dropping promises.

Sometimes we love these psalms—or portions of these psalms—without looking at them carefully. Today we’ll take a close look at Psalm 91.

To Dwell and Trust

The first two verses of Psalm 91 function as a summary of the entire poem.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1–2)

For those that know and love the Lord, closeness to him is precious. Given the cause-and-effect in verse 1 (dwell in his shelter then abide in his shadow), the reader naturally wants to know, How do I dwell in the shelter of the Most High?

This question is answered at several points in the psalm, including in the following verse! In part, we dwell in God’s shelter by trusting him as our refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2). This means we trust God for rest (as our refuge) and protection (as our fortress).

Deliverance from Snares and Fears

In Psalm 91:3–8 we read some of the implications of abiding in the “shadow of the Almighty.”

God will deliver from traps and disease (Psalm 91:3). Like a mother bird, he will protect his children (Psalm 91:4). Because he is our refuge, he will take away fear of attack and sickness (Psalm 91:5–6). Though tragedy may strike many nearby, it will not touch us (Psalm 91:7–8).

One quick observation. We can follow the structure of this psalm by paying attention to the pronouns. After the header (verse 1), the psalmist speaks to the Lord (“my God”) in verse 2. Then in Psalm 91:3–13 the author writes of God in the third person (“he”) and addresses a reader (or perhaps himself) in the second person (“you”). In the final section of the song, Psalm 91:14–16, the Lord speaks in the first person (“I”) and discusses a loyal follower (“him”).

No Evil Will Befall You

In the next section (Psalm 91:9–13), the psalmist continues to enumerate the blessings of being protected by the Lord. Yet the stakes (and the help) are not just more of the same.

In verse 9, the poet reiterates that God shows his goodness to those who have made the Lord their dwelling place. If that is the case, no plague will come near, and no evil will befall you (Psalm 91:10). Why? Because God will command his angels to take care of you (Psalm 91:11–12). Think how dear his people must be in order for the Lord to deploy his heavenly army for protection! (If you’re curious about how these verses are used by Satan to tempt Jesus, read this article.)

From scores of Bible passages we know that Psalm 91:10 is not a promise of an easy, curse-free life. The language of this psalm, particularly as it escalates in these verses, points us to eternal rather than temporal fulfillment of God’s promises.

This section discusses evil and angels, so the psalmist has not just earthly but cosmic conflict in mind. Verse 13 may pick up on that theme. A blessing of dwelling with the Lord is trampling on the young lion and the serpent (Psalm 91:13). So God may be enlisting his children (and foreshadowing the Lord Jesus) in turning back evil.

Blessings of Holding Fast to the Lord

In the final stanza of the psalm we read of God’s blessings from his perspective. We also have a fuller answer to our earlier question of how someone would dwell in God’s shelter.

God gives three indicators in these final verses of how to be blessed. Such a person must hold fast to God in love, he must know God’s name, and he must cry out to God in trouble (Psalm 91:14–15). In response, the Lord promises blessing upon blessing: he will deliver, protect, be with, rescue, and honor him. The final verse of the psalm is the culmination of all these blessings: “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16).

We must not forget Jesus as we interpret any portion of Scripture. To “hold fast” to God demands that we do so as he stipulates. And Jesus tells us that we must abide in him (John 15:4). The good news of the gospel of Jesus is that our blessings depend on his faithfulness, not ours.

Application From a Favorite Psalm

It’s easy to see why this psalm is a favorite. Especially for those who are fearful and those who need protection, God gives deep and sweeping promises. What is the psalmist’s main point?

There is salvation for those who make the Lord God their dwelling place.

What are some possible applications? For personal/inward application, I landed on some challenging questions. Here’s just one: Do I trust the Lord and treat him as my refuge and fortress? If I am failing to trust the Lord, it might be helpful to list as many reasons as possible—from the Bible and my walk with God—that he can be trusted to provide rest and protection. Remember, it is God’s faithfulness that is a shield for us (Psalm 91:4).

There are numerous outward applications as well. Our friends and neighbors may dwell in the shelter of many things aside from the Lord. Whether we have a Christian or non-Christian friend in mind, Psalm 91 offers a compelling argument to make “the Lord your dwelling place” (Psalm 91:9).