Key Takeaways
1. Psalm 91: A Covenant of Divine Protection
Psalm 91 is the only place in the Word where all of the protection promises are brought together in one collection—forming a covenant written through the Holy Spirit.
A comprehensive shield. Psalm 91 stands out as a unique compilation of God's promises for protection, covering every aspect of human vulnerability. It addresses physical dangers, spiritual attacks, and emotional distress, offering a holistic shield for believers.
Historical significance. Throughout history, soldiers, families, and individuals have relied on this psalm during times of war, natural disasters, and personal crises. Numerous testimonies attest to its effectiveness when claimed in faith, from World War II veterans to modern-day survivors of terrorist attacks.
Activation through faith. The power of Psalm 91 is not automatic but requires active engagement through faith. Believers are encouraged to:
- Memorize and recite the psalm regularly
- Claim its promises specifically in times of danger
- Trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His word
2. The Power of Dwelling in God's Shelter
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Intentional positioning. Dwelling in God's shelter is not a passive state but an active choice. It involves:
- Consistently seeking God's presence through prayer and meditation
- Aligning one's life with God's will and Word
- Cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God
Benefits of abiding. Those who make God their dwelling place experience:
- A sense of security and peace amidst chaos
- Divine guidance and wisdom in decision-making
- Supernatural protection from various forms of harm
Practical application. To dwell in God's shelter:
- Create a daily habit of spending time in God's presence
- Surround yourself with reminders of God's promises
- Actively trust God in every situation, big or small
3. Overcoming Fear Through Faith
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day.
Recognizing fear's impact. Fear can paralyze and prevent believers from fully embracing God's promises. Common fears include:
- Fear of the unknown
- Fear of failure or inadequacy
- Fear of harm or death
Faith as the antidote. The psalm emphasizes that faith in God's protection eliminates the need for fear. This is achieved by:
- Focusing on God's character and faithfulness
- Remembering past instances of God's protection
- Declaring God's promises aloud, especially in moments of fear
Practical steps. To overcome fear:
- Identify specific fears and counter them with relevant scriptures
- Share fears with trusted believers for prayer support
- Practice gratitude to shift focus from fears to blessings
4. God's Promise of Deliverance from All Evils
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.
Comprehensive protection. God's promise covers a wide range of dangers:
- Physical threats (accidents, attacks)
- Health issues (diseases, epidemics)
- Spiritual attacks (temptation, deception)
- Emotional distress (anxiety, depression)
Divine intervention. Numerous testimonies illustrate God's supernatural intervention in seemingly hopeless situations, including:
- Miraculous healings from terminal illnesses
- Protection during natural disasters
- Escape from life-threatening accidents
Claiming the promise. To activate God's deliverance:
- Regularly confess and believe in God's protective power
- Act in faith, even when circumstances seem dire
- Thank God in advance for His deliverance
5. Angelic Protection in Times of Danger
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.
Unseen guardians. The psalm reveals that God assigns angels to protect His children. This angelic protection:
- Is constant and comprehensive
- Operates in both seen and unseen realms
- Can manifest in various forms (physical intervention, guidance, etc.)
Historical examples. Throughout history, there have been accounts of angelic intervention:
- Soldiers reporting angelic armies in battle
- Individuals experiencing mysterious help in life-threatening situations
- Unexplainable rescues from certain death
Activating angelic protection. While God's angels are always on duty, believers can:
- Acknowledge and thank God for angelic protection
- Be aware of divine guidance and promptings
- Cooperate with angelic protection by obeying God's leading
6. The Authority of Believers Over the Enemy
You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
Spiritual authority. This verse emphasizes the power given to believers to overcome spiritual enemies. This authority:
- Is derived from Christ's victory on the cross
- Extends over all demonic forces and their works
- Requires active exercise by the believer
Categories of spiritual attacks. The psalm uses animal imagery to represent different types of spiritual threats:
- Lion problems: bold, direct attacks
- Young lion problems: subtle, growing issues
- Cobra problems: deceptive, sudden strikes
- Dragon problems: fears and imaginations
Exercising authority. Believers can walk in this authority by:
- Understanding their position in Christ
- Speaking words of faith and authority
- Taking action against spiritual opposition through prayer and declaration
7. Activating God's Promises Through Love and Trust
Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
Conditional promises. While God's love is unconditional, the fullness of His protection is activated through a reciprocal relationship. This involves:
- Developing a deep love for God
- Growing in knowledge of God's character (His name)
- Trusting in God's faithfulness and power
Rewards of intimacy. Those who cultivate a close relationship with God experience:
- Divine deliverance in times of trouble
- Elevated status in spiritual realms
- Answered prayers and divine intervention
Practical steps. To deepen your relationship with God:
- Spend regular time in prayer and worship
- Study and meditate on God's Word
- Obey God's commands as an act of love and trust
- Share your experiences of God's faithfulness with others
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FAQ
1. What is "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection" by Peggy Joyce Ruth about?
- Focus on Psalm 91: The book is an in-depth exploration of Psalm 91 from the Bible, which is known as the "protection psalm" or "Soldier’s Psalm."
- Covenant of Protection: Peggy Joyce Ruth presents Psalm 91 as a spiritual covenant of protection available to all believers, especially in times of danger, fear, or uncertainty.
- Personal and Real-Life Stories: The book combines biblical teaching with numerous real-life testimonies of miraculous protection, healing, and deliverance attributed to praying and believing Psalm 91.
- Practical Application: It offers practical advice on how to claim, pray, and confess the promises of Psalm 91 for oneself and loved ones, making it both a devotional and a manual for spiritual safety.
2. Why should I read "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection" by Peggy Joyce Ruth?
- Timely Relevance: The book addresses fears and dangers prevalent in today’s world, offering hope and assurance through God’s promises.
- Faith-Building: It strengthens faith by showing how God’s Word can be a literal shield in everyday life, not just a source of comfort.
- Actionable Guidance: Readers learn how to actively apply and confess Psalm 91, moving from passive belief to proactive trust in God’s protection.
- Inspiring Testimonies: The many stories of protection, from war zones to daily life, inspire confidence in God’s faithfulness and encourage sharing the message with others.
3. What are the key takeaways from "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection"?
- God’s Protection is Available: Psalm 91 offers a comprehensive promise of protection from all forms of evil, danger, and calamity for those who trust in God.
- Active Participation Required: The covenant is conditional; believers must choose to dwell in God’s presence, confess His promises, and set their love upon Him.
- Power of Confession: Speaking God’s Word aloud and personalizing the promises of Psalm 91 releases faith and activates God’s protection.
- Authority Over the Enemy: Believers are given authority to tread on spiritual enemies (lion, cobra, dragon) and are encouraged to use it boldly.
- Family and Community Coverage: The promises extend beyond individuals to families and communities, emphasizing intercessory prayer and corporate faith.
4. How does Peggy Joyce Ruth interpret and explain Psalm 91 in her book?
- Verse-by-Verse Analysis: The author breaks down Psalm 91, explaining each verse’s meaning, context, and practical application.
- Personal Stories and Analogies: She uses personal anecdotes, childhood memories, and analogies (like the mother hen and her chicks) to illustrate spiritual truths.
- Emphasis on Conditions: Ruth highlights the conditions for receiving protection—dwelling in God’s presence, confessing trust, and loving God.
- Spiritual and Physical Dimensions: The book addresses both spiritual and physical aspects of protection, including deliverance from temptation, disease, accidents, and fear.
5. What is the "Psalm 91 Covenant" and how does Peggy Joyce Ruth advise readers to use it?
- Definition of the Covenant: The Psalm 91 Covenant is a spiritual contract based on the promises in Psalm 91, offering protection to those who meet its conditions.
- Personalization: Ruth encourages readers to personalize the psalm by inserting their own names (or loved ones’ names) into the verses.
- Daily Confession: She advises making the confession of Psalm 91 a daily habit, speaking it aloud as a declaration of faith.
- Preventative and Reactive Use: The covenant is to be used both as a preventative measure (praying before danger strikes) and as a response in times of crisis.
6. What are the main conditions for receiving God’s protection according to "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection"?
- Dwelling in God’s Presence: The first condition is to "dwell in the shelter of the Most High," meaning to maintain a close, ongoing relationship with God.
- Verbal Confession: The second is to "say to the Lord" that He is your refuge and fortress, emphasizing the importance of speaking faith.
- Setting Love on God: The third is to set your love upon God, which involves obedience, trust, and prioritizing your relationship with Him.
- Knowing God’s Name: The fourth is to know and call upon God’s name, recognizing His character and authority in your life.
7. How does "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection" address fear, danger, and spiritual warfare?
- Fear is Opposed to Faith: The book teaches that fear undermines faith and must be actively resisted by trusting and confessing God’s promises.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Psalm 91 is shown to cover all types of danger—terror by night, arrows by day, pestilence, and destruction—representing both physical and spiritual threats.
- Authority Over the Enemy: Ruth explains that believers have authority over spiritual enemies (lion, cobra, dragon) and should use it to resist attacks.
- Practical Examples: Real-life testimonies and biblical examples demonstrate how faith in God’s protection overcomes fear and delivers from harm.
8. What role do angels play in protection according to "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection"?
- Angelic Assignment: The book highlights that God gives His angels charge over believers to guard them in all their ways, as stated in Psalm 91:11-12.
- Personal Bodyguards: Angels are described as personal, heavenly bodyguards who intervene in both seen and unseen ways.
- Testimonies of Angelic Help: The book includes stories of miraculous escapes and interventions attributed to angelic assistance.
- Faith Activates Angels: Ruth teaches that faith and the confession of God’s Word release angels to act on behalf of believers.
9. How does Peggy Joyce Ruth explain the meaning of the "lion, cobra, and dragon" in Psalm 91?
- Symbolic Enemies: The lion represents bold, overt attacks; the young lion, smaller but growing problems; the cobra, sneaky and deceptive attacks; and the dragon, imaginary or phantom fears.
- Spiritual Warfare: Each symbolizes different forms of spiritual opposition or life challenges that believers may face.
- Authority to Tread: The book emphasizes that believers have authority to "tread upon" these enemies, meaning to overcome them through faith and the name of Jesus.
- Practical Application: Ruth encourages readers to identify their own "lion, cobra, and dragon" problems and use their spiritual authority to defeat them.
10. What are some of the most powerful testimonies and stories shared in "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection"?
- Military Miracles: Stories include entire military units protected in battle, soldiers surviving direct attacks, and miraculous escapes from death.
- Everyday Deliverance: Testimonies range from car accidents averted, miraculous healings, and protection from natural disasters to personal deliverance from fear and trauma.
- Family and Community Protection: Accounts show how praying Psalm 91 over families, homes, and communities resulted in supernatural safety during hurricanes, fires, and other crises.
- Transformation Through Faith: Many stories highlight how individuals’ faith in the Psalm 91 covenant led to life-changing experiences and deeper trust in God.
11. What practical steps does "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection" recommend for applying the psalm in daily life?
- Daily Prayer and Confession: Make it a habit to pray and speak Psalm 91 aloud each day, personalizing it for yourself and loved ones.
- Memorization and Meditation: Ruth suggests memorizing the psalm and meditating on its promises to build faith and confidence.
- Teaching and Sharing: Share the message and the psalm with family, friends, and community, encouraging others to claim God’s protection.
- Standing Firm in Crisis: In times of fear or danger, immediately confess the promises of Psalm 91 and refuse to give in to negative thoughts or reports.
12. What are the best quotes from "Psalm 91: God’s Shield of Protection" and what do they mean?
- "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." – Emphasizes the importance of living in close relationship with God for protection.
- "I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!'" – Highlights the power of verbal confession and personal trust in God.
- "A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you." – Illustrates God’s promise of individual protection even in widespread disaster.
- "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways." – Affirms the reality of angelic protection for those who trust in God.
- "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him." – Shows that God’s deliverance is a response to our love and commitment to Him.
Review Summary
Psalm 91 by Peggy Joyce Ruth receives mixed reviews. Many readers find it inspiring and comforting, praising its verse-by-verse explanation of the psalm and its application to daily life. They appreciate the testimonials of divine protection. However, some critics argue it promotes a "magical" approach to faith, potentially inducing fear or guilt. Others find it biblically unsound or manipulative. Despite these concerns, the book is generally well-received, with readers finding it empowering and reassuring, especially those with loved ones in dangerous professions.
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