Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him…He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. – Psalm 91:1-2, 4 NLT
The Need for Protection
The voice of God booms––brilliant light blankets the land. The darkness is driven back, but it is not yet gone, only hiding. Waiting for its moment to push back. Though the darkness would not overcome the light, it would try.
Centuries later, Jesus is teaching His followers. He points at a small collection of houses and shops lining the hilltop in the distance. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” As carriers of the light of Christ, we are to shine in the darkness, offering solace to weary travelers. A glowing beacon of hope.
But we know darkness has a way of pushing back, trying to cover our light under a basket. We shouldn’t be surprised when darkness tries to fight back. The Bible tells us we will face trials. It warns us that we will engage in spiritual battles against unseen forces working against God. And though we are free from its grip, the consequences of sin still surround us.
We need to protect ourselves against such dangers if we are to flourish in our walk with Jesus. If we don’t fortify ourselves spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, we leave ourselves open for attacks from the enemy. But praise God for offering us the most secure protection we could ever hope for.
Rest in the Almighty
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety…”
A storm rises up over the horizon. Dark clouds loom as lightning flashes, illuminating the foreboding black skies. Before you are two paths. One into the open fields; the other to a towering fortress of rigid stone. Your feet are planted, but it’s time to take a step forward. Your next move matters more than anything else.
You make your way to the tower and push open the door. As the rumbling thunder fades into a dull hum in the distance, you’re met with a warm room––crackling fire in the hearth and the smell of food simmering gently over it. Outside, the dangers still remain. Inside, you find comfort. But more importantly, you find rest.
When we face dangers in our faith walk, where we turn is the difference between standing strong or being consumed. God invites us to embrace Him as our stronghold and refuge. He beckons us to take that next step toward Him as the storm gathers in the distance. Don’t get caught in the bleak, cold storms of life. Make the next move and enter into the protection offered by our Refuge.
Safety in His Wings
“He is my God, and I trust Him…He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings.”
As you ease yourself into a chair by the fireplace, you hear footsteps coming from the next room. A man steps into the orange glow. His face is rugged––worn from years of tending to the fortress. His hands are strong and calloused from persistent fortifying, but His face is kind and His smile heralds peace into your heart. He walks over to you. You get up, prepared to leave out of fear you’ve intruded. But before you can leave, He embraces you. His voice, deep yet soft, whispers, “Welcome. Please, stay.” He removes His coat and wraps it around your shoulders before waving you to a seat at the table.
There is unparalleled safety when we choose to abide––remain––in the protection of God’s wings. God doesn’t want us to stop by occasionally to be refilled. He wants nothing more than for us to be fully invested in and captivated by His presence. The goal is to be completely surrounded by Him. This is where we find the fullness of His protective covering. This is where we receive all the blessings He offers to us.
Trusting in God Completely
“His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
At the table, you partake in fresh buttered bread and a warm bowl of stew. Suddenly, thunder cracks outside, causing dust to crumble from the walls. You stand up from the table with a jolt. The storm has moved over the mountains and now drives against the walls of the tower. You turn to your host, your eyes speaking of the fear deep within.
He smiles––that same smile that brought you peace the first time. You feel your heart settle. “Everything will be okay. Nothing can bring this stronghold down.” His words bring safety. You have confidence in His promise of protection. You settle back down into your chair and trust that nothing can harm you as long as you remain inside.
Trust is necessary if we are to experience God’s protection completely. God has given us His word––a promise of protection––for those who remain under His wing. Nothing can pierce the faithfulness of these promises. They are our greatest armor and protection. But a stronghold can only protect what is completely within its walls.
If we don’t have confidence in God’s promises to keep us safe (Matthew 10:28-31), we’ll find ourselves running away from our protection and trying to outrun the storm. But the storms will always catch us. The best thing we can do is abide in the protection of our God.
Take refuge in God’s presence. Arm yourself with the faithfulness of His promises. Be comforted under His wing. Because there is everlasting protection in the shadow of the Almighty.
Prayers for Spiritual Protection
A Prayer from Psalm 91
Almighty God,
Help me to declare the truths of Psalm––that You alone are my refuge and place of safety. Help me to find protection in You and nowhere else. Thank You for sheltering me under Your wing. Remind me of Your perfect promises as I use them as my armor and protection against the enemy. Thank You for always being my shelter. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A Prayer Against Spiritual Warfare
Heavenly Father,
I pray for the discipline to put on the whole armor of God every day. Show me what areas of my life have been left unprotected. Give me the spiritual strength to see past the schemes of the devil. Help to lift the shield of faith to protect myself from the fiery darts of the enemy.
A Prayer for Protection from Evil
Dear Lord,
You are light, and in You is no darkness at all. I pray that I would fill my life with Your goodness as evil flees from Your presence. Because You are for me, nothing can be against me. Protect me from evil and teach me to walk in obedience to You. Help me to abide in Your good and perfect presence. In Your holy name I pray, amen.
A Short Prayer for Protection
Be with me, Lord. Let me find my strength in You. Amen.
Additional Resources
Additional Prayers for Protection
Looking for more encouragement?
In the Shadow of the Almighty: Trusting God for Protection
Excerpt: The voice of God booms––brilliant light blankets the land. The darkness is driven back, but it is not yet gone, only hiding. Waiting for its moment to push back. Though the darkness would not overcome the light, it would try.
Centuries later, Jesus is teaching His followers. He points at a small collection of houses and shops lining the hilltop in the distance. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” As carriers of the light of Christ, we are to shine in the darkness, offering solace to weary travelers. A glowing beacon of hope.
