It Shall Not Come Near Me

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; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. (Psalm 91:7-14)

The 91st Psalm shows that what happens around you doesn't have to define your story. If the economy struggles, it doesn’t mean you have to struggle too. If there's a worldwide pandemic, that doesn’t mean it will be your story. A different set of circumstances affects those who dwell under the shadow of the Almighty compared to the rest of the world. When chaos breaks out in your city, state, or country, it shouldn’t shake you because you know you are protected by a higher authority. You may see struggles and problems with your eyes, but you will not feel them. Not only are you under God's protection, but He has also sent angels to follow your command. The word “charge” in this verse means a commanded responsibility. You don’t need to persuade angels to help fulfill your assignment; they have been assigned to you and are under God's orders. They will lift, guard, block, and guide you to safety and success.

God began this promise with you being hidden under His shadow, and by the end of the Psalm, you’re trampling lions, serpents, and dragons. It doesn’t matter if the danger is demonic or human; the authority still belongs to those who know His name. The Hebrew word “shem” means name, reputation, or authority. So, to “know His name” isn’t just memorizing the right syllables; it means trusting His nature and understanding His character.

Practical Application

God’s protection flows through relationship and trust. When news, sickness, or bad reports try to shake you, make sure to speak God’s Word, not fear.

Psalm 9:10; Psalm 89:16